Talks to find home for Pendle charity (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Talks to find home for Pendle charity

8:00pm Monday 29th August 2011 in Blacko By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

FRESH talks are set to take place to find a new home for a charity which provides off-road adventure sports for youngsters.

Neighbours of the Wheels Within Wheels base, off Gisburn Old Road in Blacko, have complained about its location.

And, despite claims that the nearest homes are several hundred metres away, town hall development control officials have brokered talks with the charity.

Coun Ann Kerrigan, a Wheels Within Wheels supporter, said the options so far presented to the organisation, including a site in Marsden and land near Alkincoats Park in Colne, were ‘ludicrous’.

The charity had been forced to withdraw facilities for young female riders, following previous complaints overv toilet facilities, she told the borough’s executive.

“There are many young people across Pendle who take advantage of these facilities offered by Wheels, often those who are hard to reach,” added Coun Kerrigan.

Coun Linda Crossley, resources cabinet member, said: “They do a wonderful job and most of know people who have benefitted through their involvement with Wheels.

“But it is always difficult to find somewhere suitable.

"We had a similar problem in Barrowford where they were going to put it on a back track.”

Councillors on the executive have given permission for new discussions between planners and the charity if the list of current suggested sites are thought to be inadequate.

The council has also taken enforcement action against the organisation for the unauthorised placing of a static caravan and portable toilet, and tyre storage, at the site.