More than 150 people have thrown their support behind Churchfield House’s bid to secure a 25-year lease.

Residents and members recently met at the 19th century building to discuss the application to the Charities Commission.

The Observer reported earlier this year how the Great Harwood Civic Society formed a limited company with a view to taking on the management of the historic building under a long-term lease.

The building is currently under the control of Hyndburn council and permission is needed from the commission to grant the lease.

Lynn Wilson, Civic Society chairman, said they have a unanimous vote of support from the community to take over the building permanently.

She said: “More than 150 people have filled in consultation forms and all of them are supporting Churchfield House’s bid.

“We had quite a few people here at a meeting asking questions and they all seemed happy with the answers and there were no objections.

“There was also a business plan for people to look at.

“The council will be sending off the application soon and the turnaround could be slow or quick.

“We will have to wait and find out.

“The next step is with the Charities Commission and sorting out the 25-year lease.”

The lease application is being supported by Hyndburn council and hopes it will become a ‘focal point of community activity’ under the lease.