FIVE hundred people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new takeaway in Darwen town centre.

A planning application has been put to Blackburn with Darwen Council for permission to the change of use of 227 Duckworth Street, formely Turneround Insurance, which is now vacant.

Christine Curley, whose family have owned The Wine Shop next door for 44 years, started the petition after receiving official notification of the plans a week ago.

Mrs Curley said: "We've had 500 people at least sign the petition, and that's without even trying.

"People have seen it on the counter when they've come in and put their name down because the town is full of takeaways already.

"They are all saying 'oh no, not another' - even pizza delivery people have been saying enough is enough.

"Darwen has got good little shops and we need to make it a proper little market town.

"It is the only way we will survive against the competition from big towns.

"Takeaways cause rubbish and mess and they have their shutters up all day.

"It doesn't entice people into the town - it's bad enough not having shop windows for people to browse in.

"We need to increase footfall along the street and shutters will not help.

"I've had new product reps come to see me at the shop and they've commented, 'Does nobody in Darwen do their own cooking?' "We've only got 21 days to put an objection to the council, but with the amount of signatures already collected, it shows the strength of feeling around here.

"Any more food places opening around here is bad news.

Last week, local businessman Tim Melia called on the council to act before the town was "left with streets full of hot-food takeaways and empty units ripe for vandalism and graffiti".

Alli Reza Abdeshahian, from Manchester who has lodged the application, said he was unaware of the petition.

He said: "I am confident that the application will be granted.

"There is nothing else viable on that road apart from food or amusements because of the road layout. Cars cannot get down.

"People should be taking it up with the local council, not blaming me.

"I want to bring something different to the area - I am thinking of having Spanish or Italian food there.

"I am trying to make jobs for people and bring trade to the area."