THE owners of the renamed Slaughtered Lamb pub in Burnley have taken over the football supporters' local, the Park View.

Chris Sullivan, from Accrington, and Steve Bolton, from Harrogate, are bidding to establish a chain of pubs in the North West.

When they took over at the historic Bull and Butcher on Manchester Road, the pair sparked controversy by changing the name to the Slaughtered Lamb which was branded "repulsive" by local historian Ken Spencer.

Now they have taken over at the Park View, they have promised no name change this time. They have appointed Harry Cusick as general manager of the pub. He hails originally from Manchester but has been in Lancashire pubs all his working life. The plan for the Park View is to recreate the atmosphere of old by providing good entertainment and meeting the needs of the local community.

Chris and Steve are still on the look out for more good-quality North West based pubs. Chris joined Whitbread in 1979 and rose to North West regional director. The former Accrington Grammar School pupil has held various posts including operations manager for Bowland Inns and the Beefeater chain and working for Scottish and Newcastle.