PLANS to transform a former library into a village post office and community shop have taken a step closer.

The renovation aims to breathe new life into the former Trawden Library in Church Street.

It would see the building have a mixed use, split into a post office and community shop and another library.

Stephen Wilcock, chairman of Trawden Forest Community Centre, which is behind the bid, said the group had now received a lease for the building.

Mr Wilcock said the news was a ‘positive step in the right direction’ and hopes to have the building open by the start of May.

He said: “We’ve received the lease and we’re seeing the solicitors today.

“Providing it’s acceptable to us, we’ll be signing it and returning it.

“Then hopefully the transfer of the building will take place and we’ll get the keys shortly.

“But this is a positive step in the right direction and welcome news.”

The news comes after concern from the group that Lancashire County Council was ‘dithering’ on transferring the ownership of the building.

The group have also applied for planning permission for a change of use of the building.

Trawden Post Office in Church Street closed in January 2016 while the library shut its doors in October 2016 as part of council cuts to save £220million.

Cllr Paul White, who represents the area, has in the past accused Lancashire County Council of dragging their feet with the transfer.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said previously that they were working closely with the group to complete the transfer as soon as possible.

The spokesman said: “Following the decision in principle to transfer the library to the trustees of Trawden Forest Community Centre there was further work to do to ensure their plans are robust and sustainable before a final decision on the asset transfer could be made.

“The final decision to transfer the library to the group was made in November 2017.

“Since then we have been working closely with them to ensure the lease reflects the many different ways the building will be used, and complete the transfer as soon as possible.”