ROLLS-Royce says there are no current plans to redevelop one of its sites in Barnoldswick following the demolition of an 'obsolete' building.

Work has been underway at the Bankfield site for several weeks on the demolition of a building where the jet engine was developed during the Second World War.

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp said it was believed the civil aerospace company was consolidating all its production into newer buildings at the site.

He said: "The company hasn't briefed councillors about what they are doing. It's only by listening to people on the ground that we're learning about what's going on.

"It's sad to see the buildings where the jet-engine was developed during the Second World War being knocked down. The area being cleared includes the original test beds."

A spokesperson for Rolls-Royce said: “The building is obsolete, so is being demolished. A cleared slab will remain and there are no current plans to redevelop.”