A HISTORIC former pub has been added to a problem building list to try and prevent it falling further into ruin.

The former Herders Inn, which sits high above Colne and Trawden in Lancashire Moor Road over the Pennines to Haworth has been empty for eight years.

After the Grade II listed building dating from the 1700s closed as a pub it was split into two, and one part turned into a home, which is now occupied.

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In 2013 it was offered for sale initially at £150,000 and then at auction by Huddersfield chartered surveyors Walker Singleton as a ‘derelict public house with paddock’ but failed to sell.

Now Colne and District Committee of Pendle Council has agreed to serve a Section 215 notice to stop further deterioration.

Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle council said: “Pendle Council agreed on Thursday to serve a notice. The notice means that the council can keep a closer eye on the building and help reduce the visual harm and the character of the building.

“It is sad to see such an historic building in such a bad state, hopefully we can now try and look to getting the building back to somewhere near its former glory.”

A report by Pendle Council about the building says that the rear wall has been deteriorating and is now in a very poor condition with stone work and slates having fallen away.

It reads: “Although the frontage appears to be structurally sound, the west gable is showing signs of cracking and there are clearly structural issues with the stability of the rear wall.

“Internally there are steel beams supporting the first floor, and props are currently in place to support these, however, stones and slates continue to fall away from the rear wall and repair work needs to be carried out as a matter of urgency.”

The report states that the owner says the reason for the delay in carrying out the repairs was due to a shortage of funds.

The building, formerly the Oldham Arms, was converted into an inn in 1860. It was on what was the main trading route between Bronte Country and East Lancashire and is steeped in history.

In more recent years the pub became popular with hikers who enjoyed its spectacular views across Lancashire.

The Lancashire Telegraph tried to contact the owners via Walker Singleton but they did not respond.