A LANDMARK Burnley pub could finally get a makeover after council chiefs revealed that talks with a possible buyer were at 'an advanced stage'.

The Mitre Hotel, in Westgate, had been vacant for more than a decade but Burnley Council, which owns the Locally Listed building, believes a breakthrough may be on the horizon.

The pub dates back to at least 1881 but has been labelled an eyesore in recent years but has been derelict since it closed as a retail unit in 2002.

Trinity councillor Howard Baker said it would be 'hugely encouraging' if the site could be brought back into use.

The progress will be discussed next Monday at a Burnley Three Tier Forum meeting in the Town Hall, which brings together county, borough and parish councillors.

A report into the future of the Mitre said: "The property has been marketed since we acquired it [in 2010], but the interest has either not been in keeping with the council’s aspirations or buyers have been dissuaded by having to work within heritage constraints.

"However, recently we have held discussions with an interested party which have reached an advanced stage. Details are confidential at this stage, but their proposals are for a high quality scheme in keeping with this prominent location. Funding options are currently being explored by the developer."

The pub, which lies within the town's Canalside Conservation Area, was used recently to display advertisements for Burnley Football Club.

Coun Baker said: "It's hugely encouraging if someone is prepared to take it over. I don't know who they are but they would be getting a good site in a good area.

"It's very good news and the council will support any potential development all the way."

The outlook for another disused Westgate pub, the privately-owned Plane Tree, which is Grade II listed, was not so positive.

The report concluded: "The council could issue an urgent works notice or a listed buildings repair notice.to carry out works to preserve the fabric of the building, but does not currently have resources to do this."