ROSSENDALE Council has taken over a homeless hostel after its manager had her licence revoked.

Carol Lovegrove lost her licence to run the house in multiple occupancy (HMO) at Mount Pleasant, in Whitworth, after concerns were raised about the safety of residents.

Ms Lovegrove appealed the case but on Monday a residential property tribunal upheld the council’s original decision.

Mount Pleasant, in Ivy Bank, off Studd Brow, was converted into a four-bedroom property in 2009.

Rossendale Council said its decision to remove Mrs Lovegrove’s licence was based on an 18-month investigation by Lancashire police, social services and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The council previously revoked the HMO as a consequence of concerns about the poor management practises, which seriously impacted upon the health and safety and welfare of the vulnerable residents.

“The interim management order will last for 12 months and it means that the house will be run by Petrus on behalf of the council. “ The first two days of the three-day tribunal were held at HM Courts and Tribunals Service’s Residential Property offices in New York Street, Manchester.

The third day included a sitting at the council’s offices in Futures Park, Bacup, and a visit to Mount Pleasant itself.

Department for Communities and Local Government guidelines state that HMOs must be licensed if they have three or more storeys and are occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households.