Leisure trust bosses have had to extend the deadline of a consultation on the future of a historic hall after the confirmation of the controversial closure of its swimming pool.

Leaflets were supposed to have been delivered by the end of last week to all households in Great Harwood asking residents what they would like Mercer Hall to be used for.

But after complaints to Hyndburn Leisure Trust that several had been missed out, the original July 9 deadline has been extended by two weeks.

The survey was commissioned after a special committee of Hyndburn Council in April confirmed the controversial decision to create £12 million leisure centre at Wilsons Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors to replace the swimming pool in Mercer Hall.

Launching the consultation on repurposing the building, Hyndburn Leisure Trust chief executive Lyndsey Sims said: "A consultation exercise is underway to inform future funding applications, with the aim to attract investment to the area.

"Hyndburn Leisure are asking residents to share their views on how they would like Mercer Hall to be repurposed and what community activities they would like to see available at Mercer Hall and Bank Mill Centre."

Netherton ward's Cllr Jodi Clements said on June 26: "As far as I'm aware nobody in Great Harwood has received a paper survey from Hyndburn Leisure yet and the deadline for the response is July 9.

"Unfortunately most of the residents I have spoken to see this as a box ticking exercise.

"They have filled in numerous surveys regarding Mercer Hall and none of their views have been taken on board.

"Residents feel ignored and unimportant."

One resident contacted the Lancashire Telegraph to say: "Hyndburn Leisure claim every house in Great Harwood has been sent a paper copy of their survey for what should happen to Mercer Hall.

"Many respondents on the 'Harwood Is Our Home Town' Facebook group haven’t received said paper copy. Many group members are suspicious about whether this paper survey exists."

Ms Sims told The Lancashire Telegraph on Monday: "A town-wide delivery took place last week. However, a number of streets/post codes appear to have been missed, so they will be delivered to this week.

"The consultation was due to run until July 9, but, to give people more time to respond, we have extended this for a further two weeks."

Cllr Clements responded: "Good to see that the deadline has been extended by two weeks, I feel that's necessary given the date and that some surveys have not been received yet.

"In fact, I know more people that haven't received one than that have."