AN 'eyesore' former video store on a town's main street could be brought back into use.

The empty building once used by Blockbuster on Market Street in Colne is set to be turned into a new refurbished shop and five flats.

Owners The Meridian Group Ltd of Scrutton Street, London, have submitted a planning application for the premises which have stood empty and dilapidated for some years.

The property had been subject to a Section 215 'tidying up order' served by Pendle Council on behalf of its Colne and District Committee.

The move has been welcomed by Horsfield ward Conservative Cllr Jonathan Nixon and Waterside Liberal Democrat Cllr Tony Greaves.

The application would see the ground floor be retained as a retail space, whilst the first, second and third floors would be converted into five apartments.

Cllr Nixon said, “This building has been standing empty and unused for far too long.

"It is embarrassing and is an eyesore.

"Hopefully, this new planning application could mean a new lease of life for this major town centre building.

"I would hope and expect my fellow councillors to support the application, as having a strong and independent retail presence in the town is setting us apart from other areas of Pendle.”

Lord Greaves said: "I am pleased at this planning application and that something is finally happening to this building which has been empty for some years.

"But a planning application does not means anything will actually happened so we have to keep the pressure up on the owners.

"It is a poor state and people have been able to get in."