FEARS have been raised about alterations to the old brewery site in Ulverston - with one woman saying the changes could hamper the town's 'historic status'.

The old Hartley’s brewery site was recently bought by local businessman Matthew Mayvers after a deal between Homes for Ulverston and Robinsons fell through.

Valerie Holden of Homes for Ulverston stated that her wish is for their group to purchase the site off Mr Mayvers or work in partnership with him.

“The people of Ulverston and South Lakeland have a decision to make,” she said.

“We need the houses. We also need to retain the Brewery.

“It’s not possible to do good housing and also make a profit at the brewery site.

“Ulverston trades on being an historical market town.

“Homes For Ulverston’s plans for the brewery site have at least ten truly income-linked homes (not out-of-reach developer ‘affordable’), mixed in with full-price refurbishments and 6 eco-homes.

“Delivering our plan involves free training for locals in conservation construction skills, eco-homes and landscaping.

“We agreed to buy the brewery from Frederic Robinson Ltd (FRL) back in June 2019. They insisted we didn’t publicise. That no longer applies, so now we can tell our story.

“We’re a not-for-profit that’s already spent £105,000 on this. We’re planning-application ready for this £multi-million project.

“There were delays with funding last year, and then, because of COVID-19 there were more delays and we understand FRL’s frustration, but are deeply saddened by the decision to sell to somebody else.”

Work has already begun on the site as Mr Mayvers is keen to get the project moving 'for the sake of the people of Ulverston' who have been waiting for a number of years to see the derelict site be put to good use.

Mr Mayvers, managing director of the Ulverston based catering equipment supplier Caterkwik, explained: “At this time we are exploring our own avenues, but I wish Homes for Ulverston all the best with their future housing projects. “I would also like to clarify that I have not received any documentation regarding the brewery site from them.”