NIGHTCLUB bosses who want to open a new cafe bar just yards from Blackburn Cathedral have lodged an appeal against a council decision to reject their plans.

Leading clergy have vowed to carry on fighting the plan.

It was first rejected in June amid concerns that it would create a red-light district in the cathedral grounds and take away vital retail space in Darwen Street.

Nightclub operator, Luton-based Luminar Leisure, which already operates Jumpin' Jak's bar in Blackburn, has lodged an official appeal against a decision taken by Blackburn with Darwen Council in May to refuse permission for a new venue.

Their proposal, described in May as a £2.5million cafe bar which would create 50 jobs in the town, involved taking over two shops in Darwen Street, the Little Sheffield ironmongers and Haworth's furniture shop, which is due to relocate.

The council's reasons included the fact it would take away three large shops in Darwen Street, a move which would have been disastrous, regeneration councillor Andy Kay said.

Officers also supported concerns from the cathedral that the extra venue would lead to more anti-social behaviour in the Cathedral courtyard, including fears it could gain a red light reputation.

The cathedral authorities called for Luminar to pay for a fence around the Cathedral.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council today confirmed they had been notified of an appeal and had told the planning inspector the reasons for their refusal.

A hearing will be held at a date to be set, probably at Blackburn Town Hall.

Today Luminar refused comment.

But Andrew Hindley, a cathedral canon, said: "Just because they are appealing against the decision doesn't mean we are going to change our stance.

"We believe this venue will be bad news for Darwen Street and the cathedral.

"We are in danger of being swamped by night-time venues.

"We have sent documentation to the inspector and will be attending the hearing when it is held.

"It would be much more agreeable if the fronts of the units were kept as shops but the firm don't seem prepared to consider that."