TV STAR Jody Latham has moved a step closer to attracting celebrity friends to a Pendle village after a licence was granted for his new pub.

The Shameless star wants to tempt top bands including Reverend and the Makers and Kid British to Barrowford once renovations are completed at the former Victoria Hotel in Gisburn Road.

Objections were made to the proposed 4am closing time on Fridays and Saturdays, with police, environmental health officers and local residents all raising concerns.

But following a meeting of Pendle Council’s licencing committee it has been decided that the establishment, which will include a restaurant, must close at 2am on those days and adhere to other conditions.

Speaking after the meeting, Jody, who has lived in Barrowford for most of his life, said he was “happy” a “fair compromise” had been reached.

And residents said they were satisfied for new life to be breathed into the former pub but remain “slightly disappointed” that revellers could be leaving the pub in the early hours. Under the conditions of the licence, Jacks, which will be named after Jody’s son and co-owner Simon Graham’s late grandfather, must carry out regular noise level checks to ensure against disturbances.

The beer garden to the rear of the building must be closed at 10pm and new customers must not be permitted entry to the pub after 12.30am. Door staff must enforce the Challenge 21 policy which involves requesting proof of age from anyone who looks under 21.

Representing Punch Taverns, which owns the pub, solicitor John Cohen said the venue would not be “a magnet for people migrating from other premises”. Jody added: “We want to attract more mature clientele. I am pleased the majority of residents here today seem relatively happy with the outcome.”

Live music is likely to be a regular feature at the pub with acts including Happy Mondays dancer Bez already having agreed to DJ.

And the venue could be open to the public in time for Christmas. Jody said: “We are really looking forward to the launch now."