CONSTRUCTION work and recruitment is well under way for a new hotel opening this summer on a major M65 gateway.

The brand new 39-bedroomed traditional-design ‘Lodge’ at The Willows pub in Guide near Blackburn will create 15 new jobs.

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Located just off junction 5 of the M65 motorway it is on schedule for completion in June, owners Marston’s Inns and Taverns have revealed.

The current scheme was given planning approval in November last year, the third scheme for a hotel on the site.

The two previous proposals for a 40-bed hotel at the site in 2003 and 2010 werenever built.

Since then traffic management and roads system in Guide has been radically upgraded to will ease residents fears over congestion,

Bruce Millington, Area Operations Manager for Marston’s Inns and Taverns, said: "Opening alongside The Willows ‘2 for 1 pub restaurant’, the two-storey lodge will offer 39 rooms including family rooms, double and twin rooms and also disability access rooms.

“This modern and comfortable accommodation is perfect for business and leisure travellers who want to spend a few days in the local area.

“We’re extremely excited about our latest addition to The Willows which is due for completion in mid-June."

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration boss, said: “This is very good news on a very good development.

“Following the success of the Premier Inn in the Cathedral Quarter, there is clearly a need for more hotel accommodation in Blackburn.

“This is an important addition to the borough on a major gateway to the town."