Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, today told the BBC that the controversial proposal to convert Brierfield Mills - the Grade II listed building and former home of the medical fabrics manufacturer Smith and Nephew – into a 5,000 place boarding school for Muslim girls, is nothing other than "spectacular kite flying".

The MP said: "The main charitable objective of Islamic Help is to help respond to emergency disasters overseas. The proposed Pendle School for Girls would seem to take them well away from their main charitable objective. True, the charity says it wants to expand the educational work that it is supporting, especially in Asia and Africa, but does that mean the girls would come from overseas?"

"Islamic Help website talks about educating the Muslim women of the future, pointing out that 45% of Muslim women in the UK have no academic qualifications. Is the Charity suggesting that the girls should come from across the UK? And who is going to pay the substantial costs of a boarding school education? The girls and their families?"

"A 5,000 Muslim girl school in the middle of Brierfield would totally alter the demographics of the area. It could, potentially, have a colossal impact on other schools and colleges in East Lancashire. I am very much opposed to the whole idea."

"The costs of converting Brierfield Mills would be very substantial indeed and it is clear from the information lodged with the Charity Commission that Islamic Help is not an organisation with millions in the bank."

"I am in touch with the Chief Executive of Pendle Council, Stephen Barnes, as I wish to be informed if and when a planning application is submitted."

Details of the Birmingham based charity, Islamic Help, can be accessed on the Charity Commission website;

www.charity-commission.gov.uk/

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