COUNCILLORS are hoping for a successful sequel for a former cinema to stop the building falling into ruin.

Padiham Town Council has asked Burnley Borough Council to step in and help give the Le Grande site a new lease of life.

The plea comes after people in Padiham became concerned that the Station Road building would become derelict if it was not transformed.

It has stood empty for a number of years after being run as the Le Grande night club, which closed in the 1980s. A bid to re-open Le Grande failed in 1997 after complaints from nearby residents.

A number of planning applications for a change of use have been subsequently sent to Burnley Council, but none have been accepted.

Padiham councillor Bob Clarke said: "Let's get it developed. Dereliction breeds dereliction. Let's not turn decent developments away.

"We cannot and should not pander to dereliction."

Burnley Council said it also wants to see the cinema site developed, but has not received a suitable planning application.

A spokesman for Burnley planning department said: "We received an application to convert the whole building in to two flats which was approved last year, but didn't go ahead.

"We also had an application last year for demolition and the building of two pairs of semi detached bungalows. That was refused for highway reasons.

"Cars would have had to back out on to the main road and it was deemed unsuitable. We talked to the applicant about alternatives.

"Another application for four three storey houses with parking in front and a turning area for cars was also sent.

"We asked them to amend the plans so that it had an archway through which vehicles could get through to a car park at the back. They would not consider that so we refuse the application. There is an appeal against the decision for the four three storey houses and that is being dealt with at the moment."