HISTORIC cobbles which led to one of Accrington’s proudest workplaces have been saved.

Cobble setts in Scaitcliffe Street in Accrington were once used twice a day by thousands of workers making their way to Howard and Bullough’s.

The company, the world's major manufacturer of power looms in the 1860s, had grown to gigantic propertions by the early twentieth century and long dominated the Accrington skyline.

When plans to resurface the street as part of the new Tesco redevelopment came to light, borough councillors familiar with its history acted fast to preserve the street.

Known as ‘Bulloughs’, the cotton machinery firm employed over 6,000 people in its heyday.

Now all that remains of the 50-acre former factory is the front section renamed the Globe Centre - and the cobbled setts.

Hyndburn council leader Peter Britcliffe, with Conservative colleagues Kath Pratt and Brian Roberts, stepped in to ask Lancashire County Council to review their decision to resurface.

Coun Britcliffe said: “Bullough’s totally dominated Accrington, everyone knew someone who worked there.

“My father worked there, and my mother did as well, for a time. This street is of massive importance to Accrington. It’s been a long time since clogs were heard going over the cobbles, but the cobbles are still here.”

Coun Pratt said: “Cobbles are part of our heritage, and so we were keen to keep them. Therefore we appealed to the county council to have a rethink.”They are an important part of our history and it’s good news that they are to remain.”

The firm was co-founded in the 1850s by Accrington weaver John Bullough, co-inventor of the Lancashire Loom.

In 1970 the building was taken over by Platt International and in 1975, was renamed Platt Saco Lowell. The Globe Works closed its doors for business in 1993, 140 years after the company was first founded.