A GO-KARTING track owner today stressed his business was still open, even though the site was next to a proposed cinema.

Blackburn Indoor Karting, at East Lancashire Warehouse, in Bridge Street, close to where Peel Holdings are planning the development, lets both adults and children speed around the 350-metre indoor track.

On Friday evenings from 6pm to 9pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6pm people can "arrive and drive" one of the go-karts, reaching speeds of 30mph.

Nigel Burton, owner, said: "People thought we were closing because we are next to the site of the proposed cinema development but I would just like to confirm to people that we are still open."

Mr Burton has also started a learning programme teaching children how to use the machines, where the driving line is, how to enter corners and when to decelerate and accelerate.

The centre also has a viewing area and a cafe.