A HERITAGE trail telling the story of Brierfield’s illustrious past is set to be created.

The trail, which will depict the rise of the textile industry in the town, has been given the go-ahead after a £4,950 Heritage Lottery Grant was secured.

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The project called ‘The Rise of the Holy City – A Heritage Trail of Brierfield’ was the brainchild of Brierfield Action in the Community, a charity and not-for-profit organisation set up by residents in 2003 to benefit those living in the area.

The Heritage trail is part of a project they run called ‘Project Pride’, which tackles issues around community cohesion, cultural barriers, employability and youth engagement.

Pupils from Marsden Heights Community College will work with Brierfield residents to research the history of Brierfield and its buildings and design a walking trail.

It will be accompanied by leaflets and a virtual tour, available to the whole community, that can be accessed via scanning a barcode using mobile devices.

The trail will point out historical buildings that were pivotal to the textile industry as well as a number of other important buildings including faith buildings, the old fire station and the Quaker meeting house.

Reedley councillor Robert Allen, who is chairman of Brierfield Action in the Community, said the project helped to celebrate Brierfield’s history and mill town heritage.

He said “The trail will feature about eight to 10 different buildings of historical importance that have helped to shape Brierfield. A map will be put up in the town centre showing where all the buildings are.

“Leaflets are also going to be put in public buildings and hopefully some further afield in the hope that it will become a tourist attraction.”

It is hoped young people will visit the trail and benefit from learning about their town’s past.

Youth and Community Worker Lynne Mitchell said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people to develop a town trail that will chart the history of the town and put Brierfield on the tourist map.

“The group is very excited about finding out more about Brierfield, working with residents and visiting the buildings included in the trail.”

Sara Hilton, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this to Brierfield Action in the Community.”