A COUNCILLOR slams a decision to demolish a former 'heritage asset'.

Ribble Valley councillors voted in favour of proposals made by the NHS to knock down Clitheroe Hospital, in Chatburn Road at a recent planning and development meeting.

Cllr Mark French, who attended the meeting, said: "Thursday night saw any chance of preserving this local Heritage Asset finally dashed with the granting of approval for 60 houses on the site.

"Any potential and imaginative use that would have more benefit for our community was dismissed in favour of the NHS getting top dollar for the land to allow yet again more houses to be built.

"How much of this money will actually come back to the Ribble Valley is anyone's guess.

"I and others believe this to be short sighted when other more beneficial plans could be put forward that would not only preserve some of the sites considerable architectural quality, but also give the whole community a better use of this land and retain it as an asset for all.

"Once again money gained from more houses being built has won the day and another nail goes into the coffin of 'Town Planning'."