ACCRINGTON’S Elite Snooker Club could become a skills centre for youngsters after the North Lancs Training Group announced a £1.5m plan to revamp the site.

The group’s managing director Jim Harkness said he was confident the major project – aimed at getting Hyndburn youngsters off the streets – would be given the green light by Hyndburn Council.

The Learning and Skills Council is also considering the proposal which could see 14-to-19-year-olds train in areas such as logistics, hairdressing and catering, in six months.

"It’s a very important project for the young people of Accrington," said Jim.

"It means we can offer all kinds of skills training. There will be two IT suites in the centre too.

"Hopefully it will increase the likelihood of youngsters either getting employment or going on a course at college which will develop them into employable people."

The North Lancs Training Group bought the Elite Snooker Club on Grange Lane last year with the specific project in mind.

"It supports the Government’s 14 to 19 agenda," Jim added. "We picked the Elite because it is so close to us. We are hopeful and confident that all the plans will get the go ahead.

"If they do it will take at least six months to complete the refurbishment."

The building will also house the recruitment and entry to employment (e2e) teams which due to their success have outgrown their premises in the centre of Accrington.

The group, which has won the National Apprentice of the Year for the last two years, has created 43 new jobs in its team, most of these at its Bradshawgate House headquarters on Oak Street, Accrington.

During August the group will also celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Plans to convert the snooker club now lie with Hyndburn Council.

alex.bell@menmedia.co.uk