THE final phase of the development on the site of the former Hartley Hospital in Colne is under way.

The development is a joint venture between Nelson-based Barnfield Construction and AWG Residential, formerly Morrison Homes.

When the plans to convert the Keighley Road hospital were first discussed they brought furious opposition from people who believed the building, which had been gifted to the people of Colne, should be kept for the public.

After ten years of campaigning, protesters were praised when the building was preserved to be developed and approval granted for a retirement village.

Hartley Hospital was gifted to the town by Sir William Pickles Hartley, of the famous Hartley jam family, in the 1920s.

Building work on the site started four years ago when Pendle Council gave planning approval after councillors were told it was the last chance to save the hospital from the bulldozers.

It was decided the wings of the hospital, given to the town by benefactor Sir Hartley, would go but the central area has been retained.

A special topping out ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Pendle, councillor Pauline McCormick, half way through the building work.