PLANS to turn a shop in Brierfield into a health club for young people have been backed by Pendle Council.

At a meeting of the Brierfield and Reedley Committee this week members voted in favour of the proposals for the former butchers shop, in Colne Road.

The plan, which has been supported by the police and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust, is to create a health and fitness education centre with exercise machines on the ground floor and meeting rooms and offices on the first floor.

Speaking at the meeting Councillor Frank Clifford said: "I think it is an excellent opportunity at the heart of the community to be an open door to an exciting and healthy life. This proposal would make a healthy contribution to the lives of young people in Brierfield."