FOOTBALL fans could be spoilt for choice for hotel accommodation in the Ewood area in the new millennium.

Plans to build a Travel Lodge near Ewood Park, at one of the area's biggest and most popular pubs, have been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

And Blackburn Rovers have indicated that they want to incorporate a hotel into the new stand planned to replace the current Walkersteel stand.

Blackburn brewery Daniel Thwaites have applied to the council for planning permission to build a Travel Lodge at the Fernhurst in Bolton Road, Ewood.

The pub will receive a major facelift in the scheme, including improvements. The brewery also plans to alter the existing car park and access to accommodate the Travel Lodge.

News of the application will end months of speculation among residents concerned the pub was about to close.

The club has yet to submit an application to the council for the scheme and no specific timetable has been set for work to begin.

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