Local residents concerned as furniture firm seeks buyers

The administrators of a Lancashire-based furniture business are desperately seeking buyers for the buildings and attached land.

The 160-year-old furniture making business, HJ Berry, specialised in using native, mainly locally grown timber for its chairs and won awards for its environmentally-friendly approach.

The firm, which was based in the small village of Chipping, fell into administration in February of this year. Eighty-five people, many of whom lived in the village, lost their jobs as a result.

Administrators CLB Coopers are now seeking £1 million to repay creditors and have put HJ Berry's buildings and 30 acres of land up for sale.

But local residents have concerns about the future buyer's intentions for the area. Paul Hunt, chair of Chipping Parish Council, said, “We really wouldn't want a huge development, someone who would come in and swamp the area.

“A small development would be very good. It would help to keep the shops and the pubs going. That would be ideal,” he added. Other residents said they wanted a firm which would employ local people and put the village interest at heart.

CLB Coopers said the assets 'should be sold soon' but that they could not comment on the buyer's intentions.