NINE buildings in Nelson town centre could soon be bought to make way for a civic space.

A report to Pendle Council recommends councillors agree proposals to apply for a compulsory purchase order on premises in the Market Street area of the town at tomorrow night's executive.

It comes after council bosses failed to reach agreements with the owners after 13 months of negotiations.

The single CPO will cover a wide range of buildings including commercial, retail, warehousing and vacant land in Market Street, Cross Street, Russell Street, Jude Street and Back Scotland Road.

If successful the council intend to use the space near the £2 million redevelopment of the town's main shopping streets to create a civic spaces. It is also suggested some of the land could be used for offices but planning permission would be needed.

Funding for the scheme will come from the Regional Development Agency or from a similar source.

The move follows the decision made by councillors in January to issue a CPO on the former Grand Cinema in Market Street which was destroyed by fire in 2000.

Mayor of Pendle and Chairman of Nelson Committee Mohammed Iqbal said the council would work with people and businesses in developing the site.

He said: "Something needs to be done with the site. This is just one way we can develop it.

"We need to work with local people and businesses to make sure we maximise the full potential of the site.

Leader of Pendle Council, Alan Davies, said that area of Nelson needed developing.

He said: "I am very much in favour of developing the area. At the moment the area is a detraction from Nelson town centre and it is the next logical step to make in developing the town centre."