HOUSING Minister Hiliary Armstrong pulled out of a visit to Pendle where she was due to see some of the area's most pressing problems.

Mrs Armstrong cancelled her visit, arranged for Wednesday, after being told she was needed for a Cabinet meeting in London.

Councillors who had been expecting to argue the case for a fairer share of government aid learned of her decision on Monday.

The had intended to tell her about plans to work with home owners to improve older houses. Six out of ten homes in the borough were built before 1919.

Council leader Alan Davies said: "We found out she wasn't coming on Monday but we've had nothing at all as yet about another date. We're going to try and arrange something as soon as possible.

"It's very disappointing."

Another item on the agenda during Mrs Armstrong's visit was to press for her support in getting government assistance towards the cost of turning Hartley Hospital, Colne, into a retirement village.

Government cash could be forthcoming if civil servants are convinced there is a need in Pendle for the retirement village.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice, who set up the visit, said: "I hope the visit can be re-arranged so that Hiliary can be with us soon."

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