Expressions of interest in 17 county council-owned properties

The deadline for applications to run the buildings for community use was midnight on Monday, and adds to more than 30 business cases already received relating to surplus properties across the county.

Information will now be sent out to the 22 new groups and organisations containing details of the buildings, so they can decide on whether to progress with a business case.

Any new bids for buildings where a business case has already been submitted will have to demonstrate exceptional community benefit to be considered.

County Coun. David Borrow, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “I’m very grateful for all the interest people have shown in using these buildings for their community.

“In line with our community asset transfer policy, we need to ensure that proposals to take on these buildings are sustainable, and also that the business case adds up for the council and wider community in relation to these valuable assets.

“This means we will also consider the capital value of buildings when considering whether community asset transfer is appropriate.”

Some 100 buildings are facing closure as the council looks to save £200m by 2020 as a result of ongoing government cuts .

The decision came after a 12 week consultation which more than 7,700 people responded to.

LCC has declined to reveal which properties were subject to interest.