TWO serious buyers have made firm offers on Morecambe's Midland Hotel.

The hotel's administrators, Sills and Betteridge of Lincoln, are currently considering the two offers and have described the latest developments as "optimistic."

Any decision to sell the landmark building will have to be made in conjunction with the bank of late owner, Les Whittingham, but it is understood that the potential buyers have offered close to the £1.5 million asking price.

Guy Phillips of Sills and Betteridge said: "We've always been positive that we could sell the hotel, it was all a question of getting the best price. We don't own any of the connecting buildings like Bubbles and the Dome but there are a set of covenants and anyone who does buy the hotel will also get the benefit of the covenants."

The council has marketed the whole site in a development brief sent out to prospective developers.

Economic development chief, Cllr Jean Yates, said: "I've heard that there is a consortium interested in the Midland. The hotel needs more bedrooms and the whole site is looking tired and needs upgrading."

Sue Thompson, who has recently set up a group supporting the Midland Hotel, said: "I'm pleased that serious offers are on the table and we'll have to see who they are and what they want to do. I just hope any new owner has the best interests of the hotel at heart and maintains its art deco heritage."

Demolition work has started on the former Rover Garage in King Street, Lancaster, to make way for a city centre supermarket.

The mini-supermarket, to be called a Metro, will also include car parking and delivery bays accessed from Queen Street.

Said Cllr Yates: "We're finally getting rid of another city centre grot spot, which is great news."

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