A CHURCH congregation is hoping to move to larger premises in a more prominent spot to help spread its Christian message.

The Full Gospel Mission church has applied to Pendle Council for planning permission to convert a former snooker hall in Halifax Road, Brierfield, into a church.

The congregation is currently based in Stanley Street in the town. The Minister, Pastor Dave Bullock, said the move was nothing to do with an arson attack on the church in April when unknown attackers threw a petrol bomb at the front door while people were inside. No one was hurt.

"We've been looking for premises that are bigger and more suitable for what we are doing," he said. "We also want a more prominent location on a main road.

"We've been working closely with council planners who have been very helpful."

The former snooker hall, which was previously an ambulance hall, has been the subject of several planning applications to change its use in recent months.

The latest scheme, to turn it into a greengrocer's shop, was turned down by councillors earlier this year because of worries over parking and road safety.

The mission's plan is set to be discussed by the council's Brierfield and Reedley area committee on November 7.