A LEADING Lancashire development and construction company has won praise from Rossendale Council following the refurbishment of a former Victorian swimming pool.

The Hurstwood Group has completed the £1 million transformation of Maden Baths in Bacup into the new home for Sure Start, which is a Government's programme designed to deliver the best start in life for children. The agency will use the former baths as a creche, offices and a cafe.

Because the former pool was in a conservation area special attention had to paid to ensure the building's original character was left intact. The final work has been singled out for praise by Rossendale Borough Council Regeneration Projects Manager Mick Onley.