BUILDERS are getting set to move into the site for Great Harwood's newest drinks emporium in the New Year.

Bbottles in Towngate -- which is currently an empty shop --is planned to open in March after work, including the addition of new toilets, has been carried out.

The two-floor pub will be run by Derek Brunt, current licensee of the Lomax Arms, and pal Mark Birtwistle, who hope the new venue will help to keep drinkers in the area rather than Accrington town centre.

The lower floor of the former carpet shop will be open during the day and although keeping to a contemporary design, will be a traditional style pub with real ales and draft beers.

The second floor, which will open in the evenings, will aim at a younger market with more alcopops and bottled beers.

The additional watering hole has already been granted planning permission for the conversion and will apply for a liquor licence in January.

Mr Birtwistle, who was duty manager at Roefield leisure club for three years, said: "This is just what the town needs and it will attract more money into the area."