A FORMER Rossendale town centre bank that has stood empty for nine years is on the verge of reopening as an aquatic centre.

The old NatWest building in Waterfoot is being transformed to specialise in the sale of tropical fish and is set to open next month.

Traders said they were relieved to hear the building will be brought back to life. Tony Walker, of new tenants Walker Aquatics, is keen to incorporate the building's history when the shop opens.

He said: "It is a wonderful building and we are very excited about moving in. We are retaining and utilising many of the bank's original features, including the vault and safe door."

The company is moving from premises on Carrs Industrial Estate, Haslingden.

Tony added: "We knew the building had been empty for a long time but as soon as we looked around we realised that it had great potential. It is a real landmark, the architecture is superb."

The building is owned by investment, development and construction company the Hurstwood Group. Following its closure as a bank several years ago it has remained empty ever since.

The company is spending over £250,000 refurbishing the building to bring it back to its former glory.