THE first stage of a Cambridge University study, analysing the strengths and weaknesses of Pendle's economy, has been completed.

Members of the borough's executive will receive the conclusions of the report on Thursday evening at Nelson town hall.

The council commissioned the university, as an independent body, in August to analyse the local economy and project its growth for the next 15 years.

Findings in the report will be used as a guideline when decisions are made whether to allocate further greenbelt development and housing policy in the borough.

They will also support the preparation of the Pendle Local Plan Review and influence the Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016, which is also being reviewed.

Among the items detailed in the findings is Pendle's reliance on manufacturing for jobs and, in particular, the aerospace industry.

Around 38 per cent of employees work in manufacturing compared with 15 per cent nationally.

Unemployment in Pendle is under four per cent, which the report claims is way below the national average, but this masks the fact that in some wards it can reach as high as 12 per cent.

Since the mid 1990s the population has declined and outward migration from Pendle has occurred across most age groups but particularly in the 18-30 age group.

A continuing decline in population is thought to be a danger to local jobs.

The report also shows that businesses in the Lomeshaye area were the least satisfied with Pendle -- they were most critical of transport, housing, the town centres and educational facilities.

These findings of the first stage of the report will form the basis of a meeting with Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, for which a date is yet to be set.

The second stage of the report, which has still to be finalised, will assess what Pendle Borough Council can do to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of the borough.

The work on that report has started, but is unlikely to be finalised before Christmas.