HOTEL chain Premier Inn wants to build a number of new hotels in the North West and two could be in Lancashire.

Recent documents from Whitbread, the firm which owns the chain, has revealed where the company wants to build next.

They have released a list of ‘target locations,’ and the firm updates its list every year as new hotels are built and fresh demand is identified.

The new 150-bedroom Blackpool North Pier Premier Inn and Cookhouse and Pub restaurant is scheduled to open in mid-May.

But one of the new targeted locations includes Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley.

Kevin Murray, Senior Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, said: “In Lancashire, we are preparing to open the doors to a fantastic new Premier Inn and Cookhouse and Pub restaurant opposite the North Pier in Blackpool, and though we have to recognise that it is a challenging time for all hospitality businesses we are continuing to look for the next generation of locations for Premier Inn across the county.

“Clitheroe is a town we would like to be in and we are also searching for a suitable site in Morecambe - two locations that we know will be popular with our customers looking for a short break or staycation at an affordable price.

“Independent research tells us that Premier Inn hotels bring a range of benefits to new locations. We create new jobs, pay substantial business rates and our guests support local businesses as they go out to eat, drink, visit attractions and experience the local area during their stay with us.

“We always invest for the long-term and our latest property requirements, list of target locations and contact details are available on the property pages of the Whitbread website.”

It comes six years after Premier Inn opened their £3 million development in Blackburn in the Cathedral Quarter which has 60 bedrooms.