A HYNDBURN town is set to be left with one last pub after plans were revealed to transform The Bridge Inn.

The proposal to convert the former Church pub has been submitted to Hyndburn Borough Council and seeks to turn the building in Henry Street into six two bedroom apartments.

Should the plans go ahead, Church would only have one pub left, The Thorn Inn in St James Road.

The Bridge Inn closed its doors for business nearly 10 years ago and has changed hands several times during this period.

The surrounding area is made up of other residential homes, shops and is home to the Hyndburn Leisure Centre.

Cllr Jean Battle, who represents the area on the council, said: "I used to go into the Bridge Inn years ago and it was a very nice little pub.

"There have been builders coming and going from the site for the last five years and I believe it closed around 10 years ago.

"If this gets converted the last pub in the town will be the Thorn Inn.

"I am happy for the residential housing plan to go ahead as I would much rather prefer to have something there rather than another derelict building in the town.

"As long as the building will be well maintained and hospitable for the residents of Church, it's fine by me."

In the statement submitted to the council a spokesman for the applicant said: "The site is currently a dilapidated public house with rear space made up of both hard standing and vegetation including a number of trees.

"The design of the new residential scheme has been developed to create a sensitive development which respects the site's location in the existing town and immediate vicinity.

"The site lends itself very easily to the design we have created and would be a great improvement on one of the main access roads into the town.

"The apartments are all uniquely designed and offer an adequate size through to a large space spread over two floors.

"Access to the site will be in the rear car park within the fenced area which is on the access road to the sports centre, off the roundabout in Henry Street."

A decision is set to be made in the coming months.