A family is aiming to transform a cluster of derelict buildings in Cowpe using only Rossendale-based merchants, suppliers and tradesmen.

The five buildings at Lowerfold Farm, in Cowpe Road, have been standing empty for almost a century until the Johnson family from Todmorden Road, Bacup, took on the challenge to restore the site to its former glory.

The £750,000 development started in April 2010 and is expected to be finished by late 2011.

Property developer Judith Johnson said: “Sympathetic developments like this are very important to the Rossendale landscape.

“We recognised the shortage of building work in the area and how beneficial it would be to keep our suppliers, merchants and tradesman local.

“So far we have succeeded in using only Rossendale-based workers which has had a great response from local tradesmen who are really enjoying being involved in the project.

“The site has attracted a lot of attention locally from walkers, neighbours and people who have historical ties to the site, which is lovely.

“We have been trying to let people know what we are intending for the site by putting up signs as I have been aware there has been some discussions on an online forum about the future of the land.”

The site based at the top of Cowpe consists of the original farm house, two agricultural barns and two weavers cottages.

The renovation of the two weavers cottages are almost complete and they will be placed on the market by the end of January.

This is not the first project taken on by Mrs Johnson and her family who trade under the name Millbrook Homes.

They built 13 homes in Colne in 2003.

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