A TOWN centre could be set to be boosted by the arrival of a new dessert bar.

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Council to open a milkshake and dessert shop called Swirlz in Accrington.

The store would be an American 50s style diner and offer eat-in and take-out services.

Council bosses said the new site would provide a boost after earlier this year the final store in the Accrington Arndale Centre’s StrEAT food court closed.

Staff at Swirlz Limited, who already have sites Nelson, Burnley and Blackburn, said it would hopefully increase town centre footfall.

A spokesman for the plans said in a planning statement: “We feel that our proposed business, Swirlz will have a positive impact on the town centre and surrounding businesses and we hope it will bring more people to the town centre.

“Milkshake and dessert bars are increasingly popular and are opening up and down the UK.

“We feel our proposed development will be unique to both Accrington and to the town centre.

“Our shop will in fact be set up as an American 50s-style diner.

“We plan to invest a considerable amount to make sure the shop is attractive both internally and externally.”

The site at 103 Blackburn Road has previously been a florist but new plans would see it provide food for customers.

It would sell sell milkshakes and desserts consisting of ice-cream, sundaes, cookie dough, waffles and cakes.

The eat-in part of the shop will be made up of seating for 30 people and which will be made up of three four and six-seater booths.

Proposed hours of opening are 12pm till 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 12pm till12am Friday and Saturday.

Cllr Munsif Dad, who is part of the council’s Accrington town centre team, said it was good to see businesses looking to invest in the town.

He said: “Any business coming into Accrington will be welcomed.

“Especially as rather than typical plans for a take away this is something a bit different people would enjoy.

“They have an established name and track record and would provide a new service to customers.”