A once-popular dining destination is set to hit the market after it has been left to "deteriorate".

Langroyd Hall in Colne, a popular carvery among many uses in its long history, has been left to deteriorate after closing and being bought by a company who wanted to convert it into apartments for vulnerable adults.

The planning application was submitted in 2019 and later approved but since then, no work has taken place on the site.

Vivary Bridge Cllr Kieran McGladdery said that one of his main pledges following his election win was to secure the future of the Grade-II listed building, which dates back to the 17th century.

He said: “For years, Colners have had to watch from a distance while this fabulous building sadly deteriorated, and I wanted to do something about this.

“Myself and fellow Vivary Bridge councillor David Albin got onto this straight away.”

Cllr McGladdery said that he has been working on contacting the owners of the building for two years and finally managed to find them, with one living in Malta and another in Portugal.

After speaking with the owners and explaining the state of the building, before "making threats of compulsory purchase orders if repairs were not made", Cllr McGladdery has said that the building is now up for sale.

Cllr McGladdery added: “What’ll happen next is a sale on the open market. It is a listed building so any future plans will be heavily scrutinised, with the minimum requirement being to restore the building to its former glory.

“I’m looking forwards to seeing how the next phase progresses, and will be keenly involved with the new owners via my council role to make sure the plans are suitable for this fantastic Colne asset.

“Special thanks to Cllrs Sarah Cockburn-Price and Ash Sutcliffe and all colleagues at Colne Area Committee.

“We’re nearly there.”

Prior to them submitting a planning application for the site, Leicester-based EH Capital 1 Ltd pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates Court for unlawfully removing slates from the roof of the listed building.

When admitting to the offence, one of the company directors said it was done to protect the 17th century building from thieves and trespassers.

The company was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay the council’s prosecution costs.

The company apologised to the people of Colne and the council for this action.

In 2020, the hall was victim of an arson attack which prompted a call for more security by councillors.