COUNCILLORS have agreed to bid for a former police station in Blackburn.

The building in Northgate was left empty when Lancashire Police moved to new premises in Whitebirk two years ago.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will now make an undisclosed bid for the Grade II-listed building, regarded as a key to redevelopment in the town. Members want to see the station converted into hotel, flats or offices.

Lancashire Police Authority rejected an earlier bid as it wanted to see how much it would raise on the open market. But if the latest offer is accepted, it will be sold only to developers that meet the council's criteria.