A BRANCH of Wetherspoons has revealed plans to create a hotel above the pub.

The Postal Order, in Darwen Street, Blackburn, hopes to convert disused floors above the pub into a 22-bedroom hotel.

Costing around £1.5 million, the conversion will be aimed at tourists and people travelling on business.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “ The Postal Order has been an extremely popular pub in Blackburn for many years.

“We are always keen to add to the facilities of our pubs and believe that a hotel would be a great addition.

“The plans highlight our commitment to the pub and Blackburn itself.

“We will await the outcome of planning.”

It is envisaged that 20 jobs would be created from the proposed hotel.

Hotel bedrooms would include TV, irons, tea and coffee, baths, walk-in showers, desk and free WiFi.

News of the hotel has been welcomed by community and business leaders in Blackburn, who said it will boost the town’s night-time economy.

Harriet Roberts, Blackburn’s Business Improvement District (BID) manager said: “At our last meeting, it was fantastic news to hear that JD Wetherspoon are looking seriously at the expansion and development of the Postal Order in Blackburn as a hotel.

“This fits with the shared vision of the Blackburn BID and the regeneration team at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for the town centre to become a destination for people to visit, shop and work.

“Along with the recent arrival of companies like Wilko, The Entertainer and Trespass, Premier Inn and Turtle Bay - this confidence by JD Wetherspoon will be another great lever in attracting more companies to come to Blackburn and our continued rise.”

Canon Andrew Hindley, vice-dean of Blackburn Cathedral and co-chair of the Cathedral Quarter Development, said: “We have achieved a £35m regeneration scheme which has really brought life to the area.

“I know the Premier Inn is wishing it had built 100 rooms as we develop our new conference centre.

“We urgently need more hotel rooms in the town centre and the current pub is in need of a refurbishment.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration said: “I’d support the new hotel.

“This is a vote of confidence in the town and a growing economy.

“Everyone knows the Premier Inn has been very successful, so it’s not a surprise that someone thinks there’s a bigger market in terms of a hotel.

“So I’m very pleased.”

Residents in Blackburn have also given their opinion on the plans.

Paul Maher said: “I’d support a hotel because of what it would bring for the town’s economy and jobs and night life. My concern would be that parking would be an issue.”

Another resident, Kevin Hartley, said: “I think this hotel would be a waste of money and will not benefit people locally.”

Resident Nigel added: “I’d support the hotel as it will bring people into the town and encourage them to stop and spend money.”

The development would not be the first hotel above a Wetherspoons, as the pub chain has over 50 hotels and 1,100 rooms nationwide.

In Lancashire, pub-goers can stay overnight in the The Brocket Arms in Wigan.

Plans for a hotel come as Blackburn with Darwen Council submitted proposals for a new £6.5million eight-screen cinema on the former Waves Water Fun Centre site in Nab Lane.