A Faulty fire alarm system has resulted in the temporary closure of Barnoldswick Civic Hall, with groups that use the venue left looking for alternative accommodation.

Pendle Council was left with no alternative other than to close the hall on Monday after the regular routine test revealed that the fire alarm system was not working.

Ian Broughton, the council's housing and community services manager said: "The safety of the public was uppermost in my mind when I issued the instruction to close the Civic Hall.

"It would have been unsafe to operate the building without a fully functioning fire alarm."

Coun David Clegg added: "A contract for the repair of the existing fire alarm system has already been let and workmen will start first thing on Monday morning to carry out whatever repairs are necessary. We expect the work will be completed within 10 working days. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to any group who had rooms at the Civic Hall booked.

"Every effort will be made to bring the Civic Hall back into use as quickly as possible. In the meantime we will do our best to offer alternative venues to groups affected by the closure."

Joyce Leighton, community services manager, said alternate accommodation had already been found for the luncheon club, which used the Civic Hall regularly, and urged anyone else wanting help to find temporary accommodation to get in touch with Jayne Wimbles at Colne Town Hall on 01282 661147.

Some groups that use the Civic Hall have already made temporary arrangements to meet elsewhere, while others have suspended their activities until the repairs are completed.

The weekly Age Concern Pop-In sessions, held at the hall each Monday morning, have been cancelled until the hall is open again. Anyone needing information about the group's trip to Harewood House on August 14 can ring Audrey Smith on 850569. The pick-up times are 9.30am at Coates Avenue and 9.45am at the bus stop layby on Skipton Road.