THE former Abbey National building in Burnley town centre looks set to be brought back into use.

Burnley Council plans to convert the empty Parker Lane building into a one-stop shop, where the public could access council services.

And it will also be used to house staff involved in the Elevate housing market renewal programme.

Meeting in private session last week, the council's executive voted in favour of the proposals.

The move would bring the town centre landmark back into use and provide a central base for the council scheme, as well as office space for Elevate staff.

Residents would be able to get information and advice on vital services and pay their bills at the shop.

A number of other departments could also be moved there to free up much-needed space elsewhere.

A report by the council's head of property consultancy, Michael Birdsall, said the former ground-floor banking hall could be transformed into the shop with minimal expense.

He said: "There are interview rooms, good quality light and other fittings already in place, and these should be capable of being retained

with minimal modifications.

"Overall, the building could accommodate an excellent and flexible one-stop shop, which could be expanded to reflect any future changes to the council's requirements.

"For example, following the referendum on a regional government."