A report into a burnt-out building in Barrow will be discussed behind closed doors next week.

The fire-gutted House of Lords in Abbey Road is the focus of a secret report to Barrow Borough Council’s executive committee.

The Grade II-Listed property has left a shell after a huge blaze in January 2017 and has remained scaffolded off to the public ever since.

Next Wednesday’s proceedings, involving senior council officers, will be held in ‘part two’ preventing admission by either public or press.

Cllr Alan Pemberton, a member of the executive committee, has questioned the need for the update to be held privately.

“I can’t really see the reason for the report being discussed behind closed doors but no doubt we will find out next week,” said Cllr Pemberton, the Conservative member for Hawcoat.

“Something certainly needs doing with the building. I have, in the past brought this issue up, in committee and it will be interesting to know what is going to happen next. Let’s hope we have some answers and that it’s good news.”

A council spokesperson responded: “Councils sometimes have to exclude the Press and public from certain meetings if the reports being discussed are deemed to contain items that are of a commercially sensitive nature or because of legal issues. The Press and the public will be fully informed in due course.”

The ruins of the historic landmark, known as the Barrow Working men’s Club and Institute, remain protected by scaffolding erected by the council.

At a council meeting in February, it emerged that a legal dispute had broken out between the owners, insurers and surveyors.

Former Barrow council boss Phil Huck told the February meeting: “If I was a gambling man, I think the council will end up owning it. The fundamental problem we have is that because it’s a listed property the importance of maintaining that Listed Building status is equally as important as keeping it safe.

"I think Historic England would like to see the building restored, rather than knocked down. That’s the battle.”

Councils can legally exclude Press and public from meetings if the reports are deemed to contain ‘exempt or confidential’ information.