FOR decades they were used to hold criminals now cells in Blackburn's former police station are being offered for secure document storage.

Developers Hurstwood, who own the Grade II listed building in Northgate, which also houses the town's magistrates' court, have lodged two separate planning applications to convert the building one for offices and one for a hotel.

And if the building gets used for office space, the former cells will be keeping important company documents - and not crooks under lock and key.

A decision is yet to be made about what will finally go in the building, but the possibilities hinge on the adjoining court's move to a new-purpose built facility in Barbara Castle Way.

In the past the council's preferred use for the building has been a hotel, as the town centre does not boast such a facility. But unless the court house moves, the leisure options are limited.

Rossendale-based Hurstwood and the council are now to hold talks about the best way forward. Gary Taylor, Hurstwood's senior development surveyor, said: "While the magistrates court remains, there are clearly limitations as to what we can do."

But he said part of the building had already been refurbished and could be let as office space. He added the cells were available for secure document storage.

Mr Taylor said if the court moves it would open up the possibility of a mixed use of leisure, office and possibly some luxury apartments for the building too.

But he did not rule out the hotel option, and said the company wanted to work with the council to make the town centre a success.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "We will be consulting interested parties in the town centre to establish our preferred position."

The station was vacated in 2003 when the police moved to the new out-of-town HQ at Greenbank.

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Court Service said a new courthouse in Blackburn remained a priority, and funding options and partnership with developers were being explored.