THE historic former market hall in Bacup is up for auction - at a starting price of £350,000.

Hurstwood Group is selling the vacant grade II listed property at an Old Trafford auction on December 6.

The property, at the junction of Lord Street and Bank Street, covers over 1,500 square metres, and was opened in 1867.

Rawtenstall-based owners Hurstwood has recommended appropriate new uses of retail, leisure, entertainment facilities, office uses and tourism-related development, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent - but the building is in need of renovation.

Coun Christine Lamb said: "It would be really nice to see the market back in use.

"It would be good if we could get some sort of education system there since part of Accrington and Rossendale College closed down."