Villagers in Roughlee are celebrating news that their local pub has been saved from developers.
The Bay Horse closed its doors two years ago after a series of tenants struggled to make a living.
When Scottish and Newcastle finally put it up for sale last month, it was feared that the building would be turned into housing.
But the team behind the Craven Heifer at Kelbrook has agreed to buy it and the plan is to restore it to its former glory.
Craven Heifer landlord Peter Waters said: “We have always considered Roughlee a lovely village, so the Bay Horse is the perfect choice for a destination food outlet.
“It will need a complete refurb, but we intend to reopen later in the year. We will build on the gastro pub formula that has made the Craven Heifer such a success.”
Roughlee villagers were so concerned about losing their pub, two weeks ago they launched a campaign to persuade Pendle Council to list it as an Asset of Community Value, which could have delayed any sale to a developer.
Pendle councillor and Roughlee resident James Starkie, who supported the fight to save the pub, said: “This is really good news for the village. The pub has always been at the heart of the community and for years it attracted people from all over Pendle. With no one living there, the building has started to look shabby. Hopefully it will soon be back to its best and we can reclaim out Best Kept Village crown.”
