AN UNDERFIRE charity has unveiled plans to transform a 16th century farmhouse into a rural haven for youngsters.

Chaigley Manor Trust officials had to 'keep their cards close to their chest' for the past two years in order to prevent big businesses from swooping in on the Gisburn Forrest site, according to trustee Coun Jean Battle.

And the six trustees, who meet every six weeks, said they were seeking legal advice over comments made by Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who called for their resignation over a ‘lack of transparency’ and unspent funds.

Chaigley Manor was a children’s home in the Ribble Valley bought by the people of Hyndburn in 1927 for use by the borough’s disadvantaged youngsters.

After being sold for £625,000 in 2001 the fund was put into the care of the Chaigley Manor Trust and the interest from the sale was to be spent on worthy projects.

The trust has now revealed it will use around £100,000 to lease and manage the Stephen Park Training and Activity Complex.

The Grade II-listed farmhouse and barn is currently managed by Knowsley CVS, which will continue to work alongside the trust, Hyndburn & Ribble Valley CVS and the Forestry Commission to develop various projects for children.

Julie White, chairman of the trustees and an Oswaldtwistle resident, said: “The trustees have been working quietly behind the scenes over the last two years in order to secure this fabulous centre.

“Unfortunately we were unable to share this information previously due to the commercial sensitivity of the centre.

“We are now looking forward to entering an exciting new era and working together with our partners to ensure disadvantaged children from Hyndburn can once again enjoy a holiday in the countryside.”

Coun Britcliffe last week claimed the trustees were not being 'transparent' about what the charity's money was being spent on and said the council would help set up of a new board made entirely of Hyndburn residents.

But the trust said two of the trustees live in Hyndburn and the others either have family connections or have worked in the borough.

Lancashire County councillor Jean Battle, who lives in Accrington, said: "This has nothing to do with the council and we do not have to answer to Mr Britcliffe.

“We do not have to tell people of our plans if they are not actually set in stone, but now things are almost signed and sealed."