A TRADITIONAL bar will be opening up in a converted town hall building this month.

It is thought that at least 20 people will be employed at 'The Old Town Hall' bar which will be opening in Wombwell Town Hall after a £1 million conversion scheme.

The building is owned by local businessman Steve Harris, who bought it from the council at auction in February 2011 for £160,000.

He received planning permission to have a bar restaurant on the ground floor and seven flats on the first and second floors but has now let the ground floor and first floor to T and G Leisure Ltd on a 20-year lease.

The company is run by Hough Lane businessman Ian Grummett and Terry Ward, landlord of the Prince of Wales.

Ian said they are considering turning the first floor into offices.

He added the bar would be open for Christmas, with a special 'Old Town Hall' ale brewed by Acorn Brewery, though the restaurant would not open until the new year when the kitchen is fully fitted and a manager is found.