Prince sees success of town charity projects

The Prince of Wales visited one of Britain’s most deprived former industrial towns yesterday to see first-hand how his charities have contributed to its regeneration.

Prince Charles’s fourth visit to Burnley, Lancashire, in six years came as an independent report found that no other group of charities could have achieved as much as the Prince’s had in the town.

The Prince pledged the support of six of his charities to help take forward the revitalisation of the town during a previous visit in 2008 and an additional six are now working in the area.

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The evaluation report, published by the Cass Business School, at City University London, found the Making A Difference collaborative charity project had made a “significant contribution” to the regeneration of Burnley and concluded the work done in the town provided a blueprint for similar schemes in other parts of the country.

Charles met volunteers, beneficiaries and representatives from charities and organisations during the visit to Sandygate Square, Slater’s Terrace and Victoria Mill, in the historic Weavers’ Triangle area, part of his two-day programme of engagements to champion regeneration projects

He also met young people who said their lives had been turned around since working with the Prince’s Trust. He later travelled to Burslem, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to the Middleport pottery, which was saved from closure in June this year after the Prince secured £7.5m funding.

Middleport is the last working Victorian pottery in the UK and refurbishment and regeneration of the site is due to begin in 2012.

The trust’s involvement saved 50 jobs, maintained the traditional manufacturing skills unique to Middleport and preserved the historic buildings and machinery.