The controversial proposals by the Islamic Help Trust to turn Grade 2 listed Brierfield Mills into a 5,000 place single sex, single faith boarding school have been strongly criticised by Andrew and local Conservatives.

Andrew said, “I am opposed to what Islamic Help are proposing for Brierfield Mills, the former home of Smith and Nephew. A boarding school of this size would be unprecedented in the UK and I believe it would have a seriously detrimental impact on the area. This is a very significant site and I would like to see it renovated so it can principally remain for industrial and commercial use, helping support local firms. I am concerned the Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate is in favour of a school on this site.”