A CONTROVERSIAL pub which has had three owners in less than two years is back on the market.

Since the former Victoria Hotel, in Gisburn Road, Barrowford, was brought back into use in December 2008, the Punch Taverns establishment has had three different owners and has failed to prosper under any.

Earlier this year people who live near the pub said they had endured a ‘living nightmare’ due to loud music and unruly customers.

Punch Taverns said that a new owner is being sought for the closed boozer as they would like it to remain a pub.

But community leaders said it could now be worth exploring other uses for the site.

Local actor Jody Latham, who has starred in Shameless and The Fixer, teamed up with childhood friend Simon Graham to revamp the pub and re-open it as Jacks’ in December 2008.

However, the bar attracted criticism from residents, who said it was a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

In 2009, the pub was renamed the Residence and has had two other sets of owners, but it closed again in the summer.

John Pope, chairman of Barrowford Parish Council, said: “It hasn’t had a very successful relationship with local residents as a pub.

“Given its recent history it’s hard to see how anybody is going to make a go of it as a fancy drinking place.

"Whether it’s time to call it a day and try something else in that location I am honestly not sure.”

Barrowford Coun Linda Crossley said: “The Thatch and Thistle is quite close and Barrowford also has the White Bear, George and Dragon and Old Bridge Inn, so there are quite a lot of pubs in the village already.

“The pub trade is struggling now and a sizeable number are closing every week, so whether it is viable as a pub I don’t know.

“It’s a lovely building and I should imagine that if it does come on the market for other uses there would be quite a lot of interest.”

A Punch Taverns spokesperson said: "It is always our preference that our pubs continue to trade as pubs.

"We are currently exploring options around the future of the Residence and would be keen to hear from local people who may be interested in the possibility of running the pub.

“However, the Residence is also currently on the market and we have had some interest from potential purchasers."