TWO iconic buildings in Brierfield are set to be taken over by the town council.

Around 100 people attended a public meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the future of the town hall and community centre.

The town hall had been due to shut at the end of June, and the future of the community centre also looked uncertain as Pendle Council looked to make savings to ensure it receives a £1million efficiency support grant from the Government.

But now the town council has agreed to step in and has opened discussions with Pendle Council to try to reach a deal that would see it take over the running of both buildings.

Coun Mohammed Hanif, a Brierfield town councillor and Reedley borough councillor, said: “There was a great turnout at the meeting and it looks quite positive.

“We are talking to Pendle Council to try to transfer both buildings to the town council.

“It is a big commitment, but we want to see these buildings stay open and available for use by the people of Brierfield, so the town council has agreed to step in and do what we can.”

Trawden Community Centre was also threatened with closure at the end of June, but residents have come together to form a committee to try to take over the running of that venue.

Coun Hanif said that the next step would involve forming a management committee to look at the running of both venues.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal, who helped organise the meeting, said: “It was standing room only, people were stood up out into the corridors. It shows that there is a strong will to make sure these two facilities stay open.”

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “I am pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

“I am glad the town council are finally talking to us and hopefully we can find a solution for the future of the town hall and community centre.”