A MAJOR hotel development is expected to create more than 140 jobs in Pendle if it is given the go-ahead by planners.

The Forest Inn pub in Fence will be transformed into a multi-million pound complex including a 66-bed hotel, hi-tech conference facilities and a leisure centre. The pub owners said the development, costing £2.5million, will create 40 full-time and 100 part-time jobs. Brothers Jonathan and Clive Seedall plan to introduce business class accommodation, modern conference facilities and a leisure complex, including a sauna, steam room, gym equipment and swimming pool.

Jonathan said: "During the last few years we realised there was a massive demand for this and we gradually thought of doing a function room and a few bedrooms.

"Then we started adding more bedrooms and saw the need for a leisure complex.

"Having this around will not only create jobs for office staff, management, cleaners, chefs and gardeners, it will also act as a boost to the area - even the local newsagents will benefit from it."

A planning application has been submitted and anyone wanting to view the scheme should call the Forest.

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