PLANS to turn a historic former hotel on the edge of Blackburn’s Cathedral Quarter redevelopment into a ‘luxury’ betting shop has provoked a storm of protest.

Ladbrokes is proposing to spend £200,000 on transforming the former Thwaites premises — the White Bull Hotel on the corner of Church Street and Railway Road — into a major venue employing five staff.

The shop would be the third gambling outlet on the boundary of the £28million Cathedral Quarter development which includes a hotel, office blocks, and cloister garden. It has been opposed by the town’s Chamber of Commerce president Tony Duckworth, borough leader Kate Hollern and the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong.

A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “We’re in the process of a licensing application for this property, offering the opportunity to bring it back into use with up to £200,000 worth of invest-ment. The proposed shop will create up to five jobs and also enhance the vibrancy of the area, increasing footfall for other nearby businessess.”

Dean Armstrong said: “I am not convinced this is an appropriate development near the Cathedral Quarter. There are better uses for this historic building.”

Coun Hollern said: “There is little Blackburn with Darwen Council can do under current planning rules. I do not think this is an appropriate use of the White Bull or in keeping with our plans for the town centre.”

Mr Duckworth said: “I suppose it’s better than it remaining derelict but there must be more positive uses for the premises.”

The White Bull dates back to 1739, was rebuilt in 1852 and underwent a lavish make-over in the late-1950s. The pub part operated as The Jam bar and more recently it was known as Essential, a late-night bar.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “I need to speak to Ladbrokes about their proposals. There is a balance between leaving a building empty and what it is used for.”