A SCHEME to create a conservation area centred on St Mary's Church, Nelson, has been enthusiastically backed by councillors.

The church and its landmark spire will be the focus of the proposed conservation area which will take in part of Whitefield ward and help preserve a "gateway" into the town.

Pendle Council's Nelson area committee is supporting the scheme and asking for further work to be carried out by council officers into creating the conservation area.

The conservation status would give greater protection to historic buildings like St Mary's and open up new funding to improve the area.

The church, which has been empty and unused for several years, is up for sale. It was the scene of an unsolved rape attack on a 15-year-old girl in November 1998 and is used by drug users and as a dumping ground for rubbish.

A three-year conservation project, known as a heritage economic regeneration scheme, would be launched and bring in £136,000 of investment in its first year. The council would be expected to contribute £23,000 in each of the three years with other money coming from English Heritage and other partners.

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