AN historic former Ribble Valley pub could given a new lease of life and be transformed into a Co-operative store.

The Grade II-listed Whalley Arms has been shut since May last year after the tenant's agreement with owners Enterprise Inns came to an end.

The Co-operative Group has submitted plans to Ribble Valley Council to change the use of the pub in King Street.

The closure comes after a number of complaints were received by the council in 2014 about the condition of the building which is located in the centre of the village.

A spokesman for the Co-op said the new store would create a number of full time and part-time jobs but was unable to confirm how many.

Cllr Terry Hill, who represents the village on the borough council, said: "I am pleased that the owners of the Whalley Arms have taken a step forward.

"A co-operative store would add another to the retail mix in Whalley and would serve the area well.

"The building is in a really good spot in the village and with the car park, it should be good for any businesses that occupies it.

"There has been trouble with that car park in the past with fines, but it's not the cost of the car park that I have an issue with, it's the punishments of the tickets which many myself and residents don't like.

"Obviously the application is subject development and planning, which will the former pub being a listed building."

The Whalley pub was constructed in 1781 and became an English Heritage listed building in 1986.

Rumours over the future of the building being turned into a shop have circulated the village for the last year.

A spokesperson for the Co-op, said: "It is our belief that a new store would greatly improve the shopping options for Whalley residents, providing – for example - a wide selection of fresh and chilled products and in-store bakery, all within walking distance.

"A new store will also create a number of new full and part-time jobs, which will be targeted at local residents and offer a variety of skills and training programmes.

"If the planning application is successful, our new store will open early next year."