A PUB company has been given the go ahead by licensing magistrates to convert a former town hall, despite objections by the police and the town council.

Preston-based Inns and Leisure Ltd now has to get planning permission from Pendle Council to transform the building in Jepp Hill, Barnoldswick, into a pub restaurant for up to 100 customers.

Spokesman Raymond Fisher said the company hoped the conversion work would be completed within two months if councillors approve the plans.

The scheme has already upset residents living the town hall.

Pendle Council put the building on the market after it became surplus to requirements.

Inns and Leisure also runs the Punch Bowl, Earby, the Cotton Tree, Colne, and the Railway, Brierfield.

Alan Turner, representing the company, said the pub would be a homely, well furbished single bar with no jukebox or loud music, controlled by a manager and his wife living on the premises. He said it would be similar to the Fosters Arms pub on the edge of town.

Mr Turner said there was a demand for the type of pub his clients were proposing and that the company had an excellent track record.

Inspector Jeff Brown, of Lancashire police, said: "My main objection is on the grounds that there is a over-provision of public houses in Barnoldswick.

"I'm also concerned the company has not undertaken any market research in the town."

Michael Warner, a member of Barnoldswick Town Council, said the council opposed the application.

"We would submit there is totally inadequate car parking in the area," he said.

"The premises are on a steep hill on a one-way street that is only one vehicles wide and it's going to be extremely difficult to effect deliveries to the premises without blocking the street."

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