HEALTH and Safety Executive inspectors are monitoring closely major repair work which is now under way on The Commercial Hotel, Colne, councillors have been told.

The prominent Skipton Road building is still covered in scaffolding, eight months after three floors of the pub collapsed as contractors worked in the cellar.

But owners, Daniel Thwaites say rebuilding work is now back on schedule and they expect the Commercial to re-open its doors in June.

Pendle council, however, say the scaffolding must stay in place for as long as planning chiefs and the Health and Safety Executive deem necessary, even though it is obstructing the highway. Councillors have been told a weekly charge is being made to the owners for the obstruction.

The Thwaites spokesman said workers were back on site following approval of a revised building regulation application.

"It will re-open as a brand new pub," he added.

Contractors had a lucky escape when the three floors above collapsed on top of them, in July last year.

One was trapped briefly by rubble, but was rescued by his workmates. He and another man suffered slight injuries but declined hospital treatment.

Around half a dozen men were working in the cellar when the ceilings collapsed.

Police said a load-bearing steel support put up by the workmen to carry the weight of a ceiling gave way bringing the ground floor and first and second floor ceilings crashing down into the cellar.

The pub had been closed for a fortnight for refurbishment.