THE firm heading the £9 million re-development of Burnley's Weavers' Triangle has snapped up the former Lord's Printers works as part of its overall strategy.

Liverpool-based Millview Developments has bought Sandygate Mill in Trafalgar Street for an undisclosed sum. Development director Edwin Clunn said the factory would be incorporated into the major development.

Millview is converting the canalside Slater Terrace weavers' cottages into a luxury hotel in a £2.5 million scheme which has already attracted major public cash backing. But although work began four years ago, the scheme is still nowhere near complete, with environmentalists voicing concern.

Millview said the hold-up was down to the council not allowing it to take over a nearby public car park just yards from Sandygate Mill.

Millview's plans also include total development of the nearby burnt-out Clock Tower Mill into an arts and crafts complex, business centre, offices and American-style attic flats.

The project is awaiting further cash support. English Heritage pledged £385,000 towards the Slater Terrace project, with Burnley Council contributing £200,000 through its European Regional Development Fund allocation.

Lords, one of Burnley's oldest print firms, collapsed last year after unions representing unpaid workers called in the receivers.

More than 50 employees were made redundant at the firm owned by 36-year-old Accrington businessman, Mark Clarkson.

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