BACUP'S new police station could be up and running in as little as 12 months if a site inspection proves the former nightclub is structurally sound.

Police are hoping the £500,000 state-of-the-art headquarters will be given the go-ahead by the end of May.

A deal has been struck between the Co-op and Rossendale Borough Council, which jointly own the former Horace's nightclub land and building.

And now the development has been given the green light by planners, Lancashire Constabulary are awaiting the outcome of the inspection before work can start.

The plan is to move the town's police station, currently based at the top of a steep cobbled slope which is out of the way in Union Street, into the former nightspot off Market Street.

The Horace's site is visible off the main road, which runs through the town centre, and will give the town yet another boost as it will stand behind Bacup's new health centre.

The building, which still displays the Horace's nightspot logo, closed in June 1997, due to lack of business.

The club has since stood empty, attracting travellers who set up camp in its grounds. It has also been used as a dumping site for rubbish.

Steve Hodkinson, Lancashire Constabulary property services manager, will be in charge of the station's design and development.

He said: "The deal now depends on the outcome of the site inspection which we are hoping will take no longer than a month to complete.

"Providing the site is structurally sound and the scientific analysis of the ground ensures that there is no contamination, then we can proceed with purchasing the site. The inspection should take about a month due to the detailed scientific tests that are being carried out. This site will mean the station is in a more prominent position making the station more accessible to the public."