A NEW pizza restaurant will be coming to East Lancashire.

An application was passed by Burnley Council to convert a former electrical goods shop in Padiham town centre into a pizzeria called Nines Pizza.

The building in Burnley Road, has been vacant since the Boxing Day floods of 2015 and was marketed for sale in May 2016, but has attracted little interest since.

A 26-year-old woman from Padiham, who has never owned a pizza restaurant before and has asked not to be named, is now in the process of taking over the building.

She said: “We think there is a good market in Padiham because at the moment there is nothing like this right in the town centre.

“There are fast food places and Indian restaurants but not many pizza restaurants.”

If successful in the takeover, a major refurbishment of the building will be undertaken, which could start at the end of July.

The ground floor would be completely renovated to cater to 40 customers and include new seating, tables, a bar, kitchen area and disabled toilets.

The restaurant’s first floor could also be revamped with a new dining space and potential for room hire for around 30 customers.

There are plans for a second bar, outside area and male and female toilets.

The menu will serve a range of 9-inch to 16-inch pizzas, including gluten free and vegetarian choices. It will also include garlic bread, dough balls and a range of desserts, such as waffles, ice cream and select cakes of the day.

The new eatery will be open five days a week from 3pm to 10pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3pm to 11pm on Fridays, 1pm to 10pm on Saturdays and 1pm to 9pm on Sundays.

At least six jobs could also be created, including two bar staff, two waiters and two chefs.

Padiham Cllr Andy Tatchell, the deputy town mayor, said: “New businesses coming into Padiham are most welcome and I’m sure the town is not flooded with pizza restaurants.

“I think we only have a couple in the area, so there is a business for it.”