GUESTS can now tour a refurbished town hall two years after it was devastated by floods.

Padiham Town Hall is now open for business after a complicated programme of reinstatement and flood resilience works has been completed.

This work has been managed by Burnley Council and its business partner Liberata, with local builders Boys working as the main contractors.

The building has now been formally handed back to Padiham Town Council, which has set a timetable for activities to begin again.

Cllr Mohammed Ishtiaq, executive member for resources at Burnley Council, said: “I would like to thank the people of Padiham for their patience during the period has been carried out.

“Major issues such as handling asbestos that had been disturbed in the flood meant that work had to be scheduled in phases.

“The completed works mean that Padiham Town Hall can now be brought back into use, with the added benefit that there is a high level of protection against future flooding, thus reducing the risk of further damage to the building and actual loss.”

Mayor of Padiham, Ken Buckley, said: “We are really pleased that these substantial repairs are complete, and that Padiham Town Council has now taken back responsibility for our town hall.

“Whilst we are doing these jobs, we will be organising the open day in December for local residents and for organisations who might want to book our facilities.

“The re-opening at the beginning of the new year will mark a new start for Padiham Town Hall.

“We are all looking forward to opening our door again to friends old and new.”

Padiham residents and organisations can book onto tours of the ballroom, cellars and kitchen areas, to look at the restoration work which has been done and hear about the works carried out next Monday.

Tours will take place at 11am, 1pm and 7pm.

The Mayor of Padiham will cut a ribbon to declare Padiham Town Hall officially’“open’ and activities will begin again with an afternoon of dancing in the ballroom on Monday January 8.

Other events and balls are being planned over the coming months to celebrate and make use of the fact that this major facility is now available again for people to use and enjoy.

Bookings can be made by contacting the town council or Padiham town Cllr Jean Cunningham on 07989 462001.