A CLOSED Blackburn town centre pub is set to reopen and the new landlord is eager to hear from residents on how to improve the area’s nightlife.

The Adelphi in Railway Road is to reopen its doors today after being taken over by Paul Whittle from Preston.

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The pub will be run by his brother, Steve Whittle and his wife Diane, and they are hopeful the project can have great benefits for the area.

Mr Whittle, 38, said: “We need to get feedback from customers for the direction of the pub.

“We’ve talked to groups in the area after being contacted about getting Blackburn nightlife going.

“We want to get the young lot back in, and we’re keen to get the football crowds back.”

The family will initially will be taking over the pub for a three month period, but have hopes of it becoming a long term success.

They have promised to offer deals on drinks and food and are looking to host live music at weekends.

Paul Whittle also owns the Old Dog Inn, Preston and the brothers also play a part in their security firm, which helps provide bouncers and security for nightclub venues.

Steve added: “I know there’s been some problems at the pub in the past, but we’ll have security on site to deal with any difficulties.”

Last month Admiral Taverns announced it was recruiting a new manager for The Adelphi pub shortly after it suddenly closed its doors and a notice posted on the window.

Business chiefs and civic figures said it could be a fresh start for the pub, which has a chequered history, with the £34million Cathedral Quarter, the regeneration of Blackburn town centre and plans to revive its night-time economy.

Claudio Bellusci, Improve Blackburn’s Nightlife project leader, said: “I spoke to them and they were very open minded to what people want, which is really positive.

“Any venue that is opening in the area is a good thing, there’s not many around at the minute.

“We’re always working to bring more events in to Blackburn.”