THE £350,000 restoration of a Grade II-listed village pub has moved a step closer after town planners decided to back the scheme.

National pub chain Punch Taverns last year applied to Ribble Valley Council for permission to carry out improvements to the Talbot Arms in Chipping.

The scheme will see the 200-year-old pub -- which has been closed since October 2004 -- transformed into a food-led venue designed to attract visitors to Chipping, which is a magnet for walkers.

Work was delayed when councillors expressed fears over some of the changes to a building and deferred the decision to planning officers.

But negotiations between officers and the pub chain have continued and amended plans were approved last week.

A Punch Taverns spokesperson said: "Having successfully demonstrated the benefits of the intended investment our planning application has now been approved with conditions.

"We will be planning a refurbishment with the licensee and hope to have the outlet open again in the near future."

The pub chain said the refit will create up to 20 jobs.

Planned improvements include relocating the bar area, redecorating, tidying up the exterior and adding new signs. Work is due to start on the project in the coming weeks with its completion scheduled for later this year.