10:00pm Tuesday 31st August 2010
By Jon Livesey
RESIDENTS are preparing for a pitched battle over plans to convert a former working men’s club into a karaoke restaurant.
Balihar Singh and Lakhbir Randhawa want to transform the closed Barnoldswick Union WMC, in The Butts, into an entertainment venue.
The pair have told Pendle council’s licensing department that they want a 12.30am alcohol licence, on Fridays and Saturdays.
And the club will be open until 1.30am on both nights, offering karaoke sessions and discos.
The would-be licensees say their DJs will remind customers about leaving the premises quietly and respectfully.
But the proposals have angered nearby residents of The Butts, who claim a karaoke club, off Church Street, would be unacceptable in a residential area.
Dorothy Buchanan said: “This is a beautiful part of our lovely quaint town and I think it is quite inappropriate for this type of business to be even considered.
“The noise that is bound to be created by late night comings and goings, and the total lack of parking in the area, and the food smells created make this proposal totally inappropriate for this location.”
Matt Edmondson said: “This is a very peaceful residential area. I feel that we would have problems with noise, drunken behaviour and litter if this was granted.
“There is also a small area for residents’ parking and I fear cars would get damaged, as has happened when the club was previously open.”
Other neighbours have highlighted the fact that there are several pubs or clubs already struggling to cope in the current climate.
The Seven Stars is set to be converted into a funeral home and question marks hang over the future of The Railway.
The application will be decided by Pendle’s licensing committee, which meets at Nelson Town Hall on Friday.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/trade_directory/