THE lights are on, but no-one's at home.
The Albert pub, which sold its first pint in 1879, closed under mysterious circumstances in January.
But now there have been signs of life in the popular Huddersfield town centre pub.
The steel shutters have been taken down and neighbours reported lights being turned on, though nobody has been spotted going into or leaving the Victoria Lane pub.
The signs of movement have fuelled speculation that work may have started on the pub, following several applications put forward by Enterprise Inns to make improvements.
Since December, the company has submitted four applications for planning permission to install new signs, awnings and to make other changes including improvements to the bar and removal of first floor walls.
One application on December 9 for two external awnings was rejected, and the company is still waiting for the green light on the other proposed changes.
In a bid to prevent changes that would radically alter the pub's character, Kirklees Council slapped on an emergency preservation order and declared the building listed.
This meant that the company was unable to make any alterations without seeking planning permission first. The Council is currently looking at the applications before the dates expire in the next two months.
A council spokeswoman said: "Without permission, the company cannot make any changes to the pub.
"The premises were left in a bit of a state with debris everywhere and it is likely that people have been in clearing it away, for which consent is not required.
"The company also has permission to replace anything that does not constitute a repair.
"If we do receive a complaint that work is being done without the required permission we will carry out a full investigation."
There was no one available on the site or at Enterprise Inns for comment.
A man at the pub, who was also trying to catch someone in, would not comment on the nature of his business.
