A parish council in East Lancashire have been handed a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to move into a new village hall.

The council in Barrow says they have been offered the former pub/restaurant and a cottage in Old Row, Whalley Road to move into.

They say this will make a "major improvement" to the village and will place a crucial role in "supporting Barrow's growing community" by providing essential services for years to come.

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The renovated hall will have wheelchair access at the rear of the building, an internal lift to the first floor, accessible toilets, a small wellbeing community garden, and car parking to the rear of the hall.

The council says it is envisaged the hall would cater for all ages, from mother and toddler groups to over-60s keep-fit classes.

Regular users of the hall would include:

  • Dementia club
  • Horticultural club
  • Keep-fit classes
  • Toddler groups
  • Women's institute
  • Slimming World/Weight Watchers
  • Local history/walking/camera groups
  • Local Girl Guides
  • Language classes
  • Coffee shop

A planning statement said: "In addition, the Village Hall would be open for one-off events such as, quiz nights, birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, special events, polling station and public meetings."

Neighbours have been contacted about the proposals and one response highlighted the need for traffic calming measures to be put in force.

However, they said: "I think the development will be an improvement."

Anyone wishing to view the plans in full can find them on the Ribble Valley Borough Council planning website.