Mums' money battle

They say the land is being sold too cheaply, and that if it was sold for more there would be money in the kitty to improve the safety of the roads where their children's lives are in danger.

The land, at Crown Way, Colne, has been valued at £200,000. Pendle council is likely to accept an offer of £90,000 from a veterinary practice in Colne.

Objectors say the site should be re-advertised, go back on the market and be sold to the highest bidder.

The road safety campaigners argue the cash is needed for work on streets where several children have been badly hurt in accidents.

They want the busy streets in the Horsfield area of Colne, near Oak Street, to have similar treatment to other areas of Pendle in an attempt to slow traffic. The cost of the work has been estimated at around £52,000.

Some parents walked out of an acrimonious public meeting where it was said there was no money for the safety work.

Colne councillor Tim Ormrod said: "The council has a duty to get the most available money for assets it sells. Here Pendle council is not facing up to that duty.

"There have been a number of child accidents in Horsfield ward and there has been a call for a traffic calming scheme which would cost £52, 000 but there is no money in Pendle to pay for it."

The debate about the value of the land began several years ago after an enquiry from burger chain McDonalds.

Last year McDonalds put in their £200,000 offer, and agreed to meet the cost of work demanded by the county council to cope with traffic.

Pendle Estates manager Bill Hargreaves said the council was under an order from the Secretary of State to sell the land.

He added: "We are now in the position where both potential buyers can meet planning requirements and are currently seeking the comments of the Secretary of State and the District Auditor about the sale."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.