A FORMER Hyndburn councillor is behind a new bar in Clayton-le-Moors.

John Burke, who lost his Clayton council seat in May, has taken over a former restaurant yards from his last pub, The Albion, in Whalley Road.

John said The Basement in Mill Street - his newest venture - will eventually feature live music from local bands, which was a regular event when he was landlord at The Albion. He added: "The Basement is a really great venue with four lovely rooms, which should make it a popular place for people in Clayton to come to.

"We would eventually like to have bands playing here, but at the moment we are concentrating fully on getting the bar up and running."

The Basement opened its doors for the first time last night.