AN HISTORIC mills complex has been sold to an Islamic charity which plans to turn it into a boarding school for Muslim girls.

Manchester-based WHR Property Consultants confirmed Islamic Help completed the purchase of Brierfield Mills last month.

The national charity had cited intentions to transform the mills into a 5,000-pupil boarding school.

Representatives later announced scaled-down plans to move 58 Muslim girls from the Ghausia High School in Nelson to the site.

They also proposed the creation of a sports centre for the whole community, alongside a ‘commercial village’ housing start-up businesses.

Gordon Prentice, MP for Pendle, raised concerns over the future use of the landmark mills.

And a local residents’ association vowed to oppose any change of use at the site.

Mr Prentice, said: “If the sale is confirmed, it begs a million questions.

“The Charity Commission must tell us whether Islamic Help has been operating within its charitable objects in raising money. ”

A spokesman for Clitheroe Road Residents Association (CRRA) said its members will fight for the site to remain industrial.