PLANS for regenerating a former Barnoldswick school may not go ahead because the town council is no longer backing the scheme.

Barnoldswick Town Council has pulled out of the Rainhall Road School Community and Enterprise Centre scheme following an offer for it to stay in its offices at the Old Library, Fernlea Avenue.

The council was due to contribute £48,000 to the flagship regeneration project which would offer training opportunities and space for small businesses.

West Craven Together (WCT) a community-led organisation comprising of representatives from a cross-section of the community who share their local knowledge, skills and expertise on a voluntary basis is now looking at how the councillors' decision affects the scheme.

Chairman of WCT Dale Frankland said: "We are all disappointed that this could have a detrimental effect on the regeneration opportunities for the whole of the West Craven community, to which the North West Development Agency has committed £1milllion.

"Whilst the board will not allow this to undermine WCT activities, this will now be made much more difficult."

Mr Frankland said there was goodwill on both sides and he hoped the board would meet Barnoldswick Town Council in the near future.

WCT board member and town councillor David Whipp said: "This could be the death of the Rainhall Road scheme.

"The town council's investment in the project was crucial in terms of capital contribution and long term sustainability.

"The decision jeopardises over £1million of funding which was set to come to West Craven through the wider regeneration initiative.

"It has taken four years to put together a viable funding package for the old school. I desperately hope we can rescue the project."

Chairman of Barnoldswick Town Council Coun Marlene Hill-Crane said councillors had looked at what was best for the council and not considered its impact on the Rainhall Road scheme.