A DEAL has been struck which it is hoped will bring one of Burnley’s most prominent shop frontages back into use.

Council bosses are putting the finishing touches to the sale of 144-148 St James Street, which was formerly home to Burnley and District Citizen’s Advice Service.

But BDCAS moved into new premises in Cow Lane around three years ago and town hall property chiefs have been making attempts to profit from their empty buildings.

Coun Shah Hussain, economic regeneration executive member, said: “The council is proposing to sell 144-148 St James’s Street to the highest bidder after its advertisement on the open market.

“The property was occupied for many years by Burnley and District Citizen’s Advice Service but has been vacant for some time and is surplus to our requirements.

“An offer has been provisionally accepted and detailed terms are being discussed.

“The prospective purchaser is understood to be a local and long-established businessman who aims to refurbish the property to an excellent standard, bringing it into use for high-end retail.

“This will meet the council’s strategic objectives of bringing vacant property into long-term use and strengthening the local economy.’ Other properties on the market, in council hands, include the former licensing office in Nicholas Street.

But as Lancashire County Council also has an interest in the building, which used to house the register office before it relocated to Todmorden Road, a joint disposal deal may be taken forward.

New owners are still being sought for the old Windmill Models, next to 144-148 St James Street, one of the longest-term vacant properties in the town centre.