RESIDENTS in Whalley are protesting that a 'city-centre style' cocktail bar is not best suited to the East Lancashire village.

Several representations have been made against proposals to open 'Forum', an entertainment venue at the former Theofano shop in King Street.

The prospective operators have been invited to a meeting of Ribble Valley Council's licensing committee, to determine the venture's fate.

Neighbour Michael Wedgeworth said: "The proposed users runs a similar venture at Winckley Square , which seems much more appropriately located near the city centre of Preston, where there is no doubt a significant night-time economy.

"But Whalley is a village, not a city, whose residents have absolutely no desire to be host to late-night revellers, who no doubt return to other more tranquil homes after their night out."

Marvin Baldwin has told the Telegraph that his plans for Forum would bring something new to Whalley and planned to spend £200,000 in upgrading the old furniture store.