THE Salvation Army and Pendle Council have declared a truce in their war over the future of the charity in Nelson.

Bosses at the charity today spoke of their relief the group would remain in the town after fearing it would have to leave Nelson after more than 100 years.

The Salvation Army was angered after the council ordered it to leave its home of more than 40 years, and was given just two weeks to vacate the Citadel premises in Russell Street, which the council has earmarked for a major new business centre.

However, after top level talks the council has agreed the charity can stay while plans are drawn up for the Salvation Army to move into the Civic Theatre in Stanley Street.

Major Chick Yuill, the divisional commander of The Salvation Army in the region, said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting and the parties were committed to resolving outstanding issues quickly so the organisation could move to the theatre.

He said: "The Salvation Army and Pendle Borough Council have taken a significant step towards resolving any differences concerning the vacation of the Citadel premises.

"The Salvation Army members and volunteers offer a much-needed and greatly appreciated social, community and church programme from the Citadel and we are pleased that this arrangement will allow us to continue our good work from the Citadel while urgent steps are taken to finalise the relocation process."The council served notice for the charity to quit in May when the former Grand Cinema site was handed over to developers Barnfield Construction who will build a £5 million office block and shops which will cater for 500 local government employees creating 300 jobs.

The authority offered the Salvation Army a base in the theatre and to carry out £150,000 of repairs which the charity rejected, saying it needed more time to find alternative sites.

It was feared the issue would have to resolved by the Lands Tribunal, an independent judicial body set up to resolve land disputes.

Now the two groups will draw up a list of what work needs doing to make the Civic Theatre a suitable home and a third party will be drafted in to decide on any disagreements.

Council leader Coun Alan Davies said: "I am very pleased that we have now been able to agree a constructive and positive way forward to resolve the issues between ourselves and The Salvation Army.

"We both want to see the Salvation Army continue its work in Nelson while at the same time allowing the regeneration of the town centre to proceed on schedule