A FORMER works in Darwen is to be converted into a snooker club, despite fears that it could mean a rise in juvenile problems.

Permission to convert the town's former Babywise building, in Wood Street, was granted by borough councillors after a request by Philip Greenwood, of Bridge Street.

But Pam Bradley, who runs the Darwen Youth Cafe in Swan Street, warned them the club would create another venue for youths to congregate.

She said: "Three of Darwen's wards are among the most deprived in the county and we are concerned that this new venue will place more pressure on families to spend more money.

"We aim to provide a community-based youth cafe, a free environment where educational and social activities can be created by employed youth workers.

"We feel this is much better than a snooker club, which will encourage young people to congregate on the streets outside and cause the problems associated with that. Our project will enhance Darwen town centre and benefit the local community, without reinforcing financial hardship on already struggling families.

"Our aims are supported in Darwen by the police, Groundwork, the primary health care trust, the Brook Advisory Centre and community centres throughout Darwen."

Planning committee chairman Coun Frank Connor, a Darwen councillor, said: "As a councillor, I fully support the works of the youth cafe and will help it wherever possible. But we have to look at issues like this on planning grounds only.

"Snooker clubs these days have membership systems and are not the dens of iniquity I used to frequent when I was 11 or 12. Darwen has had a snooker club in the past, above the Midland Bank, and that closed because it was not viable. We did not have any problems there."

Councillors approved the snooker club after being told there were no residential properties nearby and that such schemes can contribute to the vitality of a town centre.