THE owners of the historic Victorian Arcade (pictured) in Accrington town centre are looking to sell the premises.

Birmingham-based In Shops, which is part of Mentmore Abbey, currently owns the complex, which is made up of 21 units and office space above.

The Arcade, in Church Street/Warner Street, was by bought by the firm -- which used to be called Birkby -- in a £750,000 deal in 1998.

The company -- which specialises in multi-let retail premises -- said it would be looking to attract new traders to the units that were vacant but many still lie empty.

Hyndburn Council's director of regeneration Nigel Rix said today that the arcade was an important development in the town centre and the council was keen for it to be restored.

He said that the council's aim was to see all the empty units occupied by traders. He said: "The council has been working with local businesses and retailers examining the area known as Abbey Grange, which includes streets off Little Blackburn Road such as Warner Street and Abbey Street.

"The Victorian Arcade forms part of this area and is a key place which the council would very much like to see regenerated. It is a listed building within the conservation area and we would encourage the sensitive restoration of the arcade.

"We would also like to see all the empty units brought back into use.

"The council is committed to regenerating this whole area."

Mr Rix added that the Accrington town centre regeneration board had set up a sub-group which was specifically established to try to help revitalise the Abbey Grange area.

No one from In Shops was today available to comment on the sale of the premises.