RESIDENTS have hit back against plans to convert a 50-year-old former pub into a takeaway.

As reported in the Lancashire Telegraph plans had been submitted to Hyndburn Council to change the former Cross Guns pub in Church, which has been empty for 'more than five years', into a hot food takeaway and sandwich shop.

The proposals were submitted by Haji's Cuisine and an agent acting on behalf of the company said it would be a 'normal hot food takeaway, featuring stuff like pizza and kebabs'.

However, people in the area have hit out at the plans, questioning whether an another takeaway is really needed in the area.

Annastasia Walsh, said on Facebook: "We already have a takeaway on this street.

"Refurb it and open it back up as the Cross Guns Pub.

"A takeaway is going to attract rats."

Beth Gudgeon said: "Why more takeaways? We don't need them.

"Why not make a nice restaurant as we only have like one in Accrington?

"Do something different for once, maybe Mexican, Jamaican or American."

Jay Wedderburn said: "You cannot walk anywhere in the town for more than five or six minutes without passing a takeaway."

The application come as statistics from Public Health England last month revealed 69.6 per cent of adults in Hyndburn were classified as being obese or overweight, compared to 64.8 per cent nationally.

It was also revealed by Cambridge University's Centre for Diet and Activity Research, Hyndburn had 126 takeaways in total, equating to 1.56 takeaways per 1,000 residents, which is a rise of 14 per cent since 2014.

Accrington resident Barbara Sharples said on Facebook: "Sadly people want to get a takeaway and eat in with beers from local supermarkets.

"People will not spend the money to eat out or cook healthy locally grown food at home.

"Maybe there should be something introduced that planners could use to restrict the number of takeaways in a give square mile

"Signs of the times we live in."

Marilyn Warren said: "Before long all empty buildings will be takeaways or pound shops. The place is a disgrace with them."

Cllr Jean Battle, who represents Church on Hyndburn Council, said the building had been empty for 'around five years' and had been a pub for 'more than 50, probably around 100 years' prior.

However Hyndburn Council deputy leader Cllr Paul Cox said it was 'good news' the empty building could be brought back into use to serve the community.

A decision on the plans will be made by the planning committee in the coming months.