CAMPAIGNERS have spoken of their frustration as plans to celebrate Stanhill’s heritage stalled due to a lack of funding.

Stanhill Residents’ Association wants to open a heritage centre to commemorate the village’s 300 year history, including the birth of James Hargreaves, whose invention the spinning jenny helped trigger the industry revolution.

The association applied for £5,000 funding from section 106 money at the council - cash due to be given to Hyndburn Borough Council by a developer building in the village.

The money would pay for an architect and consultant to draw up plans to accompany an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is ‘very keen’ on the project, the residents’ association said.

But leader of the council Miles Parkinson said discussions about potential sources of funding were still ongoing between Oswaldtwistle councillor Peter Britcliffe and the planning department.

Head of the residents’ association Richard Hooper said: “A heritage centre would recognise the importance of the village, put it on the map and involve the community and bring it together.

“We are just waiting to see if somebody can help us. For two or three years we have been looking at this and now is the chance to get on with it. The longer this goes on the harder it is to keep people’s enthusiasm.”

Miles Parkinson said: “Each area is allocated a set amount and if the councillors in that area decide it is something to support the money is there to deliver.

“I’m quite happy for the Oswaldtwistle councillors to make their own mind up. This is why the council gives grants to each area, to be autonomous.”

Tory councillor for Oswaldtwistle, Peter Britcliffe, said the only money available to the area council was for capital expenditure, such as building and repairing infrastructure.

He said: “I haven’t had confirmation that we can use capital money for this purpose. The developers have agreed to pay 106 monies and the understanding was it would be to fund this project. All the association has asked is if the council can lend them the money.

“Miles is fudging the issue and making excuses. It’s diabolical he’s not prepared to forward the money to support such an important part of Hyndburn’s heritage. His actions are putting this tremendous project at risk.”