TOWN centre traders in Nelson are calling on the borough council to honour their pledges over a rundown landmark.

Plans have been lodged with Pendle Borough Council to convert the grade II listed former Springbank Hotel, in Manchester Road, into a mosque and community centre.

But planning chiefs had previously signalled their concerns regarding the condition of the old hotel, which has gaping holes in the roof and deterioration to many of the side walls.

Nicholas Emery, chairman of Nelson Town Centre Partnership, said at an area committee meeting: “We need some kind of progress report on the Springbank.

“It was agreed that if the owners did not bring the building up to a decent state then the council would take action against them.

“Four months have elapsed and nothing has happened there. Further action is needed to protect this building’s future.”

Brian Cookson, regeneration manager, said in a statement read out to the committee: “Efforts are still being made to ensure that the building is reinstated.

“English Heritage are involved, in an effort to provide professional architectural advice.

“The council is acutely aware on the condition of the property and if these efforts do not prove successful then the matter could be referred back to the council's executive.”

He said the cost of the project would be “significant” but the owners had met with the Whitefield Partnership and expressed a wish to proceed.

The owners of the hotel site, once known as the Groves Hotel and home to cotton magnates the Ecroyds, intend to build a mosque and community centre there to provide a replacement for a similar place of worship in Forest Street.

Part of the UK Islamic Mission, the congregation has outgrown the Madina Masjid building since it was opened in 1974.

Donations are being sought for the Nelson venture by a fundraising committee through the website - see link below.