RESIDENTS have formed a not-for-profit company in a bid to re-open a historical house and raise cash for their community.

Though the grade II-listed Mercer House was gifted to the people of Clayton-le-Moors 100 years ago, the house has been shut up and disused for decades causing it to fall into disrepair.

By forming new company Mercer 1842, a board of eight local residents hope to not only manage its upkeep, but also use profits for the good of the entire community.

The plan is said to be ‘on schedule’ with repairs to the house expected to be completed by mid-November.

Mercer 1842, has been set up with the help of Clayton-le-Moors Neighbourhood Management with members and a chairman now elected.

They now hope to gain full Charity Commission approval by January, which is the final stage needed for the venture to go ahead.

By leasing office, conference and function room space at the house they plan to plough any profits into maintainance of the house and into the community of Clayton-le-Moors.

Their new chairman Rean Blackburn, 52, who is also chairman of the Friends of Mercer Park said: “At the moment the house is not used for anything and this will bring a wonderful property back into use. It will also be a much-needed community resource.”

Repairs have seen window and door frames replaced, new decor and carpets plus disabled access created.

The house built in 1802 was the home of Great Harwood scientist John Mercer who revolutionised the cotton dyeing process.

Completely self-taught, he learned basic reading and writing from his neighbour so he could study chemistry textbooks. His home was originally donated to the town by his heirs. It eventually ended up in the stewardship of Hyndburn Council which has overseen its £88,000 restoration.