A TRADITIONAL pub's new name -- The Slaughtered Lamb -- has prompted a storm of controversy with a local historian branding it as "repulsive".

The Bull and Butcher has been the name for the building on Manchester Road, Burnley, since it was first constructed in the late 18th Century.

But the pub is now privately owned and is set to be relaunched on Sunday after a £200,000 refurbishment under the new name -- The Slaughtered Lamb.

Historian Ken Spencer, who has written several books about Burnley and its parishes, said: "I think it is a horrible name and I don't think you will find one person in 1,000 in favour. I can't see the name doing them any good -- it is absolutely naff and repulsive and I think they should change it back.

"The Bull and Butcher is a landmark and is even listed as the bus stop on time tables.

"I think it is a mistake one or two pubs in Burnley have tried to change their name and ended up reverting back to the original name -- it is not usually a very successful commercial gamble."

Chairman of Habergham Eaves Parish Council Enid Tate said: "We have approached the council but there is nothing we can do if the new name does not cause any offence.

"I will be writing to the new owners on behalf of the parish council to explain our concern at the loss of the name of the Bull and Butcher. "The slaughtered lamb is not a very nice name and the parish council is very concerned. It won't tempt me to go in."

Ironically the parish council historically met at the Bull and Butcher.

Both Mrs Tate and Mr Spencer are also concerned about the owners' choice of pub sign, the grim reaper complete with baby lamb.

The Bull and Butcher closed earlier this month and was bought by new owners, two businessmen from Accrington and Harrogate.

They refused to be identifies but a spokeswoman defended changing the name saying it was picked to distance the pub from its poor reputation. She said the name had been a personal choice. The Slaughtered Lamb is managed by John and Sally Hillary. Sally, 28, said: "We have identified a niche in the market and are targeting the more mature and arguably the more discerning pub diner.

"While we would never actually discourage children, we make no secret of the fact we are now looking more to an adult clientele.

"Fun, quality and value for money is what we are about and everybody here is looking forward to establishing The Slaughtered Lamb as a local favourite in the coming weeks and months."

The pub restaurant is employing 30 full and part-time workers from chefs and restaurant workers to bar staff.

Mr and Mrs Hillary, from Skipton, previously ran a Whitbreads pub in Glenrothes, Fife, the Gamecock in Great Harwood and the Brown Cow in Blackburn.