ACCRINGTON'S stagnant nightlife will get a massive boost after a scheme to build a £500,000 nightclub was given the green light despite objections from some councillors and nearby residents.
The two-storey nightspot, to be called Industry, is the brainchild of young businessmen Mohammed Mukhtar and Thair Iqbal and involves converting a former shop at 12 Church Street and the warehouse behind it.
They say they are looking to attract people to the town centre amid fears that Accrington is losing night-time revellers to neighbouring towns.
Currently, Accrington has only one nightclub, Lar-de-dars on Eagle Street, although Opium, which was gutted in a blaze in 2004, is also expected to re-open.
But councillors expressed concerns that the site chosen for Industry was the wrong place for a nightclub.
The council also received 23 letters of objection from residents living in town centre flats who feared the plan would lead to unacceptable late-night noise and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Councillor Dave Parkins said: "I went out to visit the site and I can see what they mean about the noise. I think this is in the wrong place.
"People will be coming out at 3am and they won't be quiet, they will be drunk. We are trying to bring people to live in the town centre and I think this will drive them away."
His fears were echoed by Councillor Edith Dunston, who said: "I think this is in the wrong place and I think it is a dangerous situation."
But some councillors spoke up for the plan, saying it would mean a boost for the town centre.
Councillor Janet Storey said: "People say this is in the wrong place, but where is the right place? It is in the town centre, where other facilities are, and this is a club which is what people want."
After the plan was passed, Mr Mukhtar, 29, said: "We have spent £200,000 on acquiring the building and will spend another £300,000 on the refurbishment. We will make the club as classy as we can. At the moment there is nothing in the town centre. It used to be heaving but now it's dead.
"We are looking to attract over-21s and we will have a strict dress code."
The plan was approved subject to several conditions including the installation of electronic noise control measures.
