A SALVATION Army building finally shut down yesterday - two years after neighbouring properties were demolished.

The Nelson citadel was left standing alone after the Lambert's Market was knocked down throughout 2005 and 2006 to make way for the new Liberata business centre - which is set to open next year - and the new community centre, where work will begin by December.

Members of the church had fought Pendle Council's original plan to move it into the dilapidated Nelson Civic Hall, and refused to hand over the building.

The two parties only reached an agreement this Spring, when they were offered new rooms in Stanley Street in the town.

The church held its last service in the Market Street Citadel - its home for 50 years - last night.

Captain Janice Lahoue said: "It's been a long, slow process but we are happy with the result.

"Obviously there has mixed emotions and we regret leaving a building we have worshipped at for the last 50 years.

"But we are looking to the future and to bigger and better things.

"We will have more space and therefore more potential to do what we can in the town."

The Salvation Army's next service, on Sunday, will be held at the St Phillip's Centre, Leeds Road, where the church will stay while its new home in Stanley Street is renovated.

It is hoped the church will be able to move in by May next year.

Pendle Council leader Alan Davies said: "I'm delighted we have been able to come to a conclusion with them and I am also glad that they will be able to remain in Nelson while their new rooms are refurbished.

"I'm looking forward to seeing work started on the future of that site - a community centre and theatre for everyone in Nelson."