TALKS on the future of a former town hall will take place as soon as possible, worried residents have been told.

Negotiations are under way between Pendle Council and potential buyers over the former council building in Jepp Hill, Barnoldswick.

Local people are concerned that the building could become a pub, although the highest of the three offers put in for the building, by Nelson-based Devonshire Pub Company, has been withdrawn.

Of the remaining two offers one is for licensed premises and the other is for housing. A new offer for pub use is expected any day.

The building was put on the market after being declared surplus to the council's requirements.

Councillor Tony Greaves told the council's resource management committee: "It's important that we hold all the necessary discussions to see the way forward as quickly as possible.

"A number of offers have been made for this property. They are, at least in one case, initial provisional offers and further negotiations have to take place."

He said any offer would be subject to planning permission which would be discussed in public and a further decision would have to be made by the resource committee which would also be open to the public.

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