THE future of a landmark Blackburn pub remains uncertain after auctioneers failed to find a bidder willing to stump up the asking price.

A North West auction house was hopeful of agreeing the sale of The Boulevard pub after the venue was given planning consent to be converted into a block of offices last week.

But at this week's auction, held by Preston-based Pugh and Company at Manchester Airport, no bidders were willing to match the guide price of between £250,000 and £300,000.

A number of interested bidders raised the total to £245,000 just £5,000 short but auctioneers said the minimum threshold had to be reached before it could be sold.

Anyone interested in buying the pub, next to Blackburn railway and bus stations, will now have to contact Pugh and Company for private negotiations.

A spokeswoman said: "We were unable to sell the property at the figure reached.

"However, people who bid for it can come and speak to us with a view to seeing if we can arrange a sale with the client."

A Bolton-based busi-ness constortium, RM Adam & UM Patel, submitted planning requests to Blackburn with Darwen Council to create 400 sq metres of office space.

The owners say the pub could also be eligible for a local authority grant to help in any future development.

The pub was put up for sale in May 2003, six months after it closed, and the auction price was £85,000.

At the time, auctioneers Fleurets said the venue had the potential for the building to be put to other uses but it is now up for sale again with a different auction house.

Best known as the Star and Garter, it changed its name to The Boulevard in August 2000 after undergoing a refit.

It had closed after licensee Dave Stewart was found hanged in the living quarters.