New Fields for Industry - an industrial handbook of North East Lancashire, c1955
A fascinating "official handbook" of the style produced usually for individual councils, this c1955 book was issued as part of the drive to attract new industries to the North East Lancashire Development Area. The area was one of a number designated under Government powers that were embodied in the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, that was intended to assist 'declining areas' as well as attempting to spread the growing 'light' industries more equitably across the UK. It allowed the Board of Trade to construct factories for lease and to make loans for the development of such facilities as industrial estates as well as improving 'basic services' such as transport, power, housing health and the reclaimation of derelict land.
The North East Lancashire area consisted of Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Barrowfield, Brierfield, Padiham, Trawden, parts of the Rural District of Burnley and even across the County boundary to include Barnoldswick, Earby and Salterforth in West Yorkshire. Some large companies did indeed relocate works and plant here, including Lucas Industries, British Thomson-Houston and Platers & Stampers. The latter was best known as the manufacturers of the Prestige range of kitchen goods.
The guide includes features on amenities, services and an interesting description of the "Government financed factories" that the BoT considered appropriate.
New Fields for Industry - an industrial handbook of North East Lancashire, c1955
A fascinating "official handbook" of the style produced usually for individual councils, this c1955 book was issued as part of the drive to attract new industries to the North East Lancashire Development Area. The area was one of a number designated under Government powers that were embodied in the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, that was intended to assist 'declining areas' as well as attempting to spread the growing 'light' industries more equitably across the UK. It allowed the Board of Trade to construct factories for lease and to make loans for the development of such facilities as industrial estates as well as improving 'basic services' such as transport, power, housing health and the reclaimation of derelict land.
The North East Lancashire area consisted of Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Barrowfield, Brierfield, Padiham, Trawden, parts of the Rural District of Burnley and even across the County boundary to include Barnoldswick, Earby and Salterforth in West Yorkshire. Some large companies did indeed relocate works and plant here, including Lucas Industries, British Thomson-Houston and Platers & Stampers. The latter was best known as the manufacturers of the Prestige range of kitchen goods.
The guide includes features on amenities, services and an interesting description of the "Government financed factories" that the BoT considered appropriate.