A SCHEME to transform an historic hall and conservatory into a pub has worried residents and local councillors.

Pendle Council is considering letting Marsden Hall, Nelson, for use as a pub or pub restaurant after several attempts to run it as a traditional restaurant hit problems.

But the possibility of the council-owned buildings in the grounds of Marsden Park being open all day and into the night has left a bitter taste in the mouths of opponents.

One pub company, which already has seven pubs in the Halifax area, is prepared to invest £100,000 in the site provided it can use the conservatory as well as the main building. Councillor Tony Leo told the council's Nelson area committee: "It really concerns me that the conservatory would be part of the pub. It is one of the main features of the park. I really don't think we should just allow that kind of conservatory to go. It has been there for a long time and quite a number of people in Nelson have enjoyed it over the years."

Councillor Azhar Ali said: "I've quite a lot of concern over this, particularly because residents have not been consulted. The lives of people living opposite this will be affected.

"My main concern is about traffic. The other concern is regarding the conservatory and another issue is the fact that a pub restaurant will attract people from late morning to late at night.

"It would affect the quality of life for people in that area. I think it could have a really bad effect on Marsden Park."

Councillor Carol Hopkins added: "I sympathise with people in the area having their doubts about the issue."

The committee agreed chairman Councillor Colin Waite and Marsden ward councillors should consult residents over their views and pass their comments on to future council meetings.

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