A HOTEL boss has come under fire from the leader of Pendle Council who said it should be closed down.

Councillors have called for an urgent resolution to a long-running dispute over the future of the Hendly Hotel in Colne.

It was placed at the top of the area's list of problem sites at a meeting of the Colne and District Committee, and now the council leader has called for immediate action.

Councillor Alan Davies also said it was necessary for the owner to install adequate heating at the hotel.

Concerns have been raised into the use of the 28-room hotel, in Queen Street and it the council feels it is being used as a house of multiple occupation (HMO), rather than a hotel.

If it was an HMO it would fail to meet current legal standards, forcing the owner to upgrade his facilities.

But owner Bernard Collins, who has run the Hendly for 15 years, defended his business when the issue was brought to the surface last year and said it has always been a hotel open to anyone and would continue to be run that way. He said: "As far as I am concerned, I operate as a hotel and will continue to do so."

Coun Davies said at a council meeting: "It's not a hotel and the owner has not fully accepted that.

"We are requiring him to put in adequate heating because it's a house of multiple occupation. It's important that we do keep on top of this place because complaints are still coming in.

"The problems the Hendly causes is bringing the reputation of Colne down."

His comments came after an inquest was held into the death of Abigail Gallagher, 24, who died at the hotel last year.

Pathologists found heroine, diazepam and alcohol in her blood, which led to her death.

Coun Davies added: "The owner said he can't be responsible for people dying in this place but he can be responsible for the conditions which many of these people are dying.

"It's time the issue was dealt with and if that results in a business ceasing in its entirety, on this occasion it's a business we would be glad to see the back of. Colne has been diminished by this particular business."

The principal environmental health officer is arranging a visit to the hotel.