TALKS are to be held on how to revitalise Barnoldswick’s night-time economy after the closure of a once-thriving pub.

The demise of The Railway, in Station Road, last month coincided with news that Barclays Bank in the town centre will be shut on certain weekdays.

And many of the town centre’s remaining pubs in and around Church Street are being advertised for sale.

Liberal Democrat councillors have now arranged a ‘summit meeting’ next week to discuss how to ‘Keep Barlick in Business’.

Craven councillor Allan Buck, Pendle Council’s executive mem-ber with responsibility for economic development and tourism, says Barnoldswick used to have a thriving night-time economy, particularly on a Friday.

He said pubs including the Barlick Hotel, Cross Keys Hotel, Seven Stars and Barn-oldswick Cricket Club were frequently busy.

But Coun Margaret Bell described the most recent closure as a ‘blow’ for the town.

She said: “I was shocked to hear that The Railway had closed. This is ano-ther blow for Barn-oldswick’s once bustling pub and club circuit.

“I have arranged for the problems of the night-time economy and the wider issue of town centre trade as a whole to be discussed as a matter of urgency at the West Craven Area Committee.

“I’m proposing that we hold an urgent ‘summit’ where everyone with an interest can come along and contribute ideas about how we can keep Barlick in business.”

A number of the shops in the town centre are independently-owned or family-run.

Coun David Whipp said: “Local businesses have been hard hit by the national recession, especially pubs which have had the double whammy of a smoking ban on top of the downturn in trade generally.

“I’m proud of Barnoldswick’s independent businesses. I want to see them surviving into the future.”

The two councillors are suggesting an open meeting to launch a ‘Keep Barlick in Business’ campaign early next week, most likely on Tuesday.