THE sale of one of the largest abattoirs in the North, based in the East Lancashire countryside, has sparked hopes of a jobs boost to the county’s rural economy.

Administrators have confirmed that the former Riley Brothers complex at Dunnockshaw, between Burnley and Rossendale, has been sold.

And it has emerged that the buyer is Stephen Riley, the eldest son of one of the four former directors of the old Riley firm, which collapsed in December, owing £1.9million.

Former Burnley MP and borough councillor Gordon Birtwistle is hopeful that the sale will lead to the abattoir being revived and fresh employment opportunities being offered to workers across East Lancashire.

When Riley Brothers closed suddenly before last Christmas, after experiencing “cashflow difficulties”, 130 jobs were lost with a number being told they had no chance of redundancy payouts.

Joint administrator Paul Flint, an associate partner at KPMG, confirmed that the business, covering seven properties including the abattoir and related plant and machinery, has been sold to Dale Valley Rossendale Ltd.

He said: “B Riley and Sons was one of the largest independent abattoir and meat processing businesses in the North of England, and a major supplier of lamb to the European market.

“We are therefore delighted to have been able to conclude this complex sale following a six-month marketing and negotiation period, and particularly in light of the events of the last seven days.”

Documents filed with Companies House show that Dale Valley Rossendale was incorporated in late March, with Mr Riley listed as the sole director.

He still has a correspondence address at Dunnockshaw Farm, where the original company was based, and he is also the sole director of Riley Brothers Wholesale Meats, which was also established in March.

Mr Birtwistle said: “This should be really good news because there were a number of people employed there and it would be great to see them back up and running.”

Several interested parties are understood to have looked at the business, which was formerly a major supplier to the halal meat market, including potential rivals in the West Midlands, before a deal was struck closer to home.

Mr Riley was unavailable for comment last night.