Campaigners offer to run under-threat pub building

A heritage campaign group fighting to save a derelict pub thought to be about 300 years old from demolition have offered to take over the management of the site.

The Tithebarn in Preston, Lancashire, called last orders in 2016 and the building is now "beyond viable repair", the city's council has said.

The authority, which owns the building close to Preston bus station, has deemed it unsafe and recommended it for demolition.

However, Glenn Cookson of Preserving Preston's Heritage (PPH) said the building had "rich history" and was exploring the viability of turning it into a museum. Councillor Martyn Rawlinson said the council "would be happy to work with the group if the project was feasible".

Mr Cookson, director of marketing and communications at PPH, said he would be "really saddened" if the city was to lose the building, which is attached to Grade II-listed mill building next door, formerly known as Aladdin's Cove warehouse.

He said it is was one of the first things passengers see when they arrive at the bus station and the group were "passionate" about protecting it.

Mr Cookson said the group was looking at setting up a community interest company and was in the early stages of exploring taking over the site, with an idea to use it as a heritage centre or people's history museum.

Rawlinson, the Labour councillor for Fishwick and Frenchwood, who is the main spokesman for the Tithebarn site, said the council welcomed the offer and it would be part of the considerations when making a decision on its future at a cabinet meeting on 18 June.

If demolition is approved, bulldozers would move in over summer and, under another plan being considered, the site could make way for a new public green featuring trees, shrubs, grassed areas and seating.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.