A FORMER Waterfoot church could be transformed into an artists' studio if planners give the project the green light.

Rossendale artist Liam Spencer, is hoping to bring art alive in the Rossendale Valley after making plans to move from his studio in Manchester to the former Church on the Way Pentecostal Church, Burnley Road East.

Liam, 39, of Albert Terrace, Cloughfold, currently operates from the Masa Studios in Salford, alongside 12 other artists.

But Liam, who has lived in the Valley for six years, wants to move his business closer to home.

He will be joined by fellow Valley residents Jill Randall, a sculptor, and Alan Birch, a print maker, who are hoping to transform the three-storey building into three separate units.

The building has also been used in the past by the Salvation Army, who used it as their headquarters.

Liam, who is married to Heather, with two children, Tom, eight, and Hugh, six, is renowned for his urban landscape paintings and wants to create more with a Rossendale theme. He said: "I wanted to be nearer home and thought this building would be ideal, especially for Jill's sculptures, as there is plenty of natural light."

Liam, who has a degree in Fine Art and 18 years' experience as an artist, added: "At the Salford studios we hold an open weekend every year for the public, which we would hope to do in Rossendale."

The plans are set to be discussed at the next development control meeting to be held on Tuesday, January, 20, at the Astoria, Rawtenstall, from 6.30pm.