A lap dancing bar is set to be given the go ahead to open in Accrington town centre.

Council planning officers have recommended the bar be approved despite campaigners handing in a 1,500 signature petition against it.

A report by planning officers stated they are ‘satisfied’ the venue would not harm residential amenity and would ‘maintain the character and vitality of the town centre’.

However Rev Kevin Logan, who is leading the protests against the bar’s plans, said he is ‘disappointed’ with the recommendation.

He said: "How can a lap dancing bar enhance the conservation area and town centre?

"It would cheapen the town even further.

"If they allow this how many more are they going to allow?"

Campaigners said they will mount a last-ditch protest against the opening of the bar when the application is considered by the council’s planning committee meeting next Wednesday, April 11.

Rev Logan added: "The council makes a recommendation but it really is up to the people of the town and what they want to see.

"We need people to come in volume so that councillors can hear what the general public are saying."

The club, which would be known as I Candy, has already been granted an alcohol and Sexual Entertainment Licence.

Now it only needs planning permission before the venue is able to open on Blackburn Road.

In a planning support statement sent to the council, applicant Candy Leisure Ltd stated the bar is ‘ideally suited’ to a town centre location.

It added: "The addition of this proposal into the town centre will enhance the night-time leisure offer within Accrington and secure investment into existing vacant premises within the town centre."

If given the go ahead, the bar would open on Monday to Friday from 7pm to 1am and on weekends and bank holidays from 7pm to 3am.

The interior of the premises will not be visible from the outside and patrons will not be permitted to leave with alcohol.

The council planning report states that alterations to the building would be internal and not impact on the character or appearance of the conservation area.