JUDGES who awarded an Altham clothing company a prestigious award but went on to describe the village's industrial estate as 'characterless' have been denounced by the chairman of the parish council.

The Civic Trust announced this week that Simon Jersey, of Sykeside Drive, Altham, had won a special commendation in the trust's 2001 awards for the design of its building, Headquarters: Simon Jersey 2.

Praising designers Studio BAAD for its work on the spherical-fronted building they said a 'close collaboration between architect and client has led to imaginative solutions, such as the use of stretched fabric, metal cladding, and translucent PVC, and has created an impressive working environment'.

But the judges continued by criticising Altham Industrial Estate, saying: "This building is an exciting addition to an industrial estate of otherwise characterless sheds." And the remarks have angered Chairman of Altham Parish Council Rene Pinder.

He said: " That is absolutely untrue. Altham Industrial Estate is the shop window of Altham and we in Altham are very proud of the estate, which is kept tidy, clean, and is well-managed.

"It's a disgrace with the judges coming out with statements like that. They have obviously not been to the estate."

But of the actual award Coun Pinder was more positive.

He said: "It's a wonderful thing for Altham and it certainly puts us on the map. It's fantastic."

And Richard Mullen, director of Simon Jersey, said: "We are delighted to have won a commendation in the 2001 Civic Trust Awards. The recognition means a great deal to Simon Jersey, as our building was designed as a physical expression of the way we do business -- in a different, imaginative and vibrant way. Particularly important was creating a stimulating working environment for all our staff - a building that people would enjoy."