MARKETING men are being called in to secure the fate of a future jewel in Burnley's historic crown.

The grand plan is expected to be drawn up within six months and comes after talks between Burnley Council and the head of the museums service in Lancashire.

Queen Street Mill in Harle Syke is recognised as being one of the top heritage sites in Europe, but it has been dogged by money worries for years. Its trustees say the mill's unique assets should be marketed more forcibly

When it closed as a weaving mill it was bought by Burnley Council with a cost of around £70,000 a year to operate as a working museum.

Ownership of the mill was transferred to the County Council, with a contribution deal from Burnley to pay £50,000 a year.

The councils are now in a wrangle over cash. Both say the mill is a significant industrial historical relic, but are worried about the cost.

The county says one way would be to reduce opening hours, and, apart from Bank Holidays, not to open at weekend.

Burnley says weekend opening is essential if the mill is to develop as a genuine attraction.

At Tuesday's recreation and leisure committee councillors agreed to carry on paying the £50,000. They also want to be in at the coal face for negotiations with county officials about opening times for the museum.

In addition, Burnley is to press ahead with promotional leaflets to entice more visitors and to make sure there are plenty of street signs pointing them in the right direction.

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