DISCUSSIONS over the transfer of Colne Muni and the town’s market could start in the next financial year.

In a report to Pendle Council’s executive, Colne Town Council is to be informed that talks can start on the assumption that the transfers of the town hall and Primet Community Centre from the borough will have been completed in the near future.

In January it was revealed Pendle Council was looking to give up a number of the area’s best-known venues in a bid to save around £7million over the next three years.

The borough announced last year it wanted to transfer four parks and slash the maintenance budget for the other seven.

The Muni is owned by the borough and run by Pendle Leisure Trust which is given £1.5m a year to do so.

The town council has already expressed an interest in taking over the indoor market and the Muni.

The executive meeting on Thursday, March 16, will also discuss handover pieces of land to Trawden Forest Parish Council for a nominal fee of £1 subject to a covenant prohibiting their disposal for a non-community use within 10 years.