COUNCIL bosses have urged the new owner of a derelict Darwen town centre bar to state his intentions for the site.

Franky’s Bar in Church Street has been empty since it was set alight by arsonists in December 2012, falling further into disrepair.

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It was recently sold at auction to a Hong Kong-based businessman called Mr Pang, who has been urged to take swift action on the site, formerly Darwen Central Conservative Club.

In an email to Darwen councillors, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s head of building control Nick Bargh said a structural engineer had been sent to the site by the new owner and had gone away to prepare a report.

He also said a burst water main had been discovered in the beer cellar which had led to water gushing into the building for some time.

He said: “United Utilities attended the site to arrange for the supply to be cut off.

“We understand a new stop-cock valve has had to be installed as the existing was not functioning.

“UU have indicated that no costs will be incurred to the council for this work.

“We are continuing to press the owner’s architect agent for an indication of his intended time-lines for a planning application, and of the likely scope of his submission, for example reinstatement or demolition of the building.”

Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “I have been working hard supporting plans to bring Darwen’s disused buildings back into use.

“Just look at the improvements over the last five years, the old chapel, the arts school and the new studio school. Franky’s Bar will hopefully soon be the next piece of the jigsaw to continue the regeneration of our town centre.”

Will Straw, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “It is positive the council has been proactive but I remain concerned the owners are not acting quickly enough.

“Mr Pang needs to visit the site as soon as possible and explain to the public how he intends to turn this eyesore and safety hazard into a viable commercial property.”