CAMPAIGNERS are waging a battle to preserve one of Padiham’s most historic pubs.

Plans have been lodged with Burnley Council to convert the 116-year-old Alma Inn, in West Street, into two residential properties.

But Burnley Civic Trust has opposed the move – insisting that the ‘unique building’ is of ‘significant historical importance’, lying on the original road into Padiham.

Landlord Kevin Kirtland and his regulars have already compiled a 200-plus name petition, opposing the move.

Mr Kirtland said: “The Alma is a community centre for the local and wider community and supports local charities. It would be a loss to the community.”

Six jobs, including the proprietors and four bar staff, would be lost as a result of the move, the development control committee has heard.

Project Padiham, the town’s regeneration agency, has also posted a formal objection to the loss of the Victorian alehouse, highlighting its place in the local conservation area.

Town councillors in Padiham, alarmed at the loss of previous hostelries, are also against the loss of The Alma.

Seventy-four standard letters of protest have also been submitted to the borough’s planning depar-tment, ahead of a town hall decision being made next Thursday.

However the Alma scheme has been recommended for approval by development control officials.

In a planning report, an official said: “The site is close to Padiham town centre where there are other public houses which could fulfil the role of community facility.”