A VACANT nightclub which has become a magnet for criminals will be demolished.

Plans to open a new supermarket on the land of the former Horrace’s nightclub have also been announced this week.

The Bacup eyesore became a police priority after residents reported an increase in anti-social behaviour and car crime.

Rossendale Borough Council, leader Tony Swain said: “The council has agreed to sell a piece of land near the property to make way for a new supermarket.

“We are confident the new owners will submit their plans for the site soon, before the structure is destroyed and cleared to make way for the new business.”

The council could not disclose which supermarket had acquired the property – but it is understood that Morrison’s has recently purchased the land. The nearest large supermarket is in Rawtenstall.

A police report highlighted that the poor lighting around the venue and overgrown shrubs throughout the old car park provide a hotspot for potential car criminals.

The club was a snooker hall before it become one of two nightclubs in the town.

In 1993 the doors of Horace’s nightclub were closed and the property became derelict.

Coun Christine Lamb said: “It is a blight on the town and it would be really nice to see it developed. The building does not look good in Bacup.”

A request has been made to Rossendale Borough Council by police for the street lighting to be fixed, the shrubs to be cut back and area given a general