CONTROVERSIAL plans to shut travel information centres at the Clitheroe and Nelson transport interchanges could be put on hold next week.

Lancashire County Council's cabinet will consider an officers recommendation to suspend the closures while officers explore approaches from third parties interested in taking them over.

Earlier this year the authority proposed to close the two centres, and their equivalents on Preston Bus Station and Carnforth Railway station, to save £156,000 a year as it tried to avoid a forecast financial deficit £144million by 2022.

As part of a consultation, the county council received a number of proposals to take over management of the offices.

The report asks councillors to consider keeping the centres open to give its officers time to investigate the alternatives.

Cllr Keith Iddon, cabinet member for transport, said: "I'm grateful that so many people have let us know how they would be affected if the transport information centres were closed.

"The council needs to make substantial budget savings. However I will ask cabinet to consider very carefully the option of keeping them open while we explore the expressions of interest we've received in taking over their management."