PUB company JD Wetherspoon is hoping it will be third time lucky in their attempts to open premises in Accrington.

The company is currently in discussions to buy three units in the town's Broadway, which would provide up to 35 full and part-time jobs if it went ahead.

Previous deals on two town sites - the former Lar de dars nightclub and another venue on Broadway - fell through.

Last year the chain pulled out of a deal to invest £900,000 in converting a number of other units on Broadway even though they had council permission for change of use, saying they were too small.

Another deal to take over the former Lar de dars nightclub also fell through after bosses decided the renovation costs would be too high. Wetherspoons already has three outlets in East Lancashire, including one in Blackburn.

The news that the company would still be coming to town was welcomed today by council leader Councillor Ian Ormerod.

He said: "I would certainly welcome them. They are a well established firm who provide good quality food and beer, and they would be an asset to the town." A spokesman for Wetherspoons said the company had been unlucky with Accrington sites but wanted to open in the town.

"We always wanted to be in the town. We are committed to the town and have been unlucky not to find a site. Now we have found a good site in Accrington we would be happy to do it up and open it a week later but it's not going to happen that quickly."