AN Oswaldtwistle pub is set for a new lease of life after a £40k makeover.

Cllr Josh Blayne Allen, who represents the Immanuel ward, has taken over the White Bull pub on New Lane.

The pub has been closed officially from October but the 25-year-old is excited about trying to reverse the fortunes of the pub when it re-opens in March.

He said: “We decided before Christmas about trying to get the pub open again.

“It is a good little local and was a popular pub and I want to make it the focal point of nightlife in the town.

“It closed officially in October but was not open since July.

“It has had a bit of a chequered past as the owners had to leave for various reasons but we think it is a brilliant little pub and there are some fantastic people living around it.”

Josh is looking forward to the challenge and admits the area is bucking the trend with successful pubs there.

He said: “We are hearing some figures that 80 pubs are closing down a week across the country but there are lot of people are investing in the town.

“There have been some good stories with Taps Select on Union Road and then the Vault are just some of ones that have opened.

“There is a real buzz about the nightlife in the town.

“We are going for a good pub grub feel with favourites such as fish and chips.

"I think there are lots of place to get good food in Oswaldtwistle but we are looking for a family feel and very welcoming environment and not too expensive.

“We also want to link up in the community and run some fun events.

“I am really excited because I live in Oswaldtwistle and I hope we can make a success of it. I just cannot wait to serve the people of Oswaldtwistle.”

Bosses have changed the kitchen, taps have been updated, bar areas improved and fresh look to the pool table area and they insist there will be a new menu in store for visitors when it re-opens in March.

Cllr Sara Britcliffe, who represents the St Andrews ward but lives on New Lane, said: "I’m very pleased to see the White Bull reopening and wish the new owners every success and know that Oswaldtwistle will welcome this news."

In 2017, the White Bull in Oswaldtwistle was named best gastro pub/restaurant in the Lancashire Telegraph Food and Drink Awards.