PLANS to open a £500,000 nightclub in Accrington town centre have moved a step closer.

Businessmen Mohammed Mukhtar and Thair Iqbal hope to create a two-storey nightspot in Church Lane.

They plan to convert the former Almost Christmas Shop and warehouse behind it and have provisionally named the venture Industry.

Next week planning permission is expected to be granted for the project, despite objections from 23 residents and businesses.

Mr Mukhtar, 29, said: "Nowhere in Accrington caters for a more adult audience. There used to be a time when the town centre was heaving but now it's dead. Everyone goes out of town now but we want people to come into Accrington."

He said he plans to make the place an over-21s venue that will play R&B, dance and pop music. Mr Mukhtar and Mr Iqbal bought the shop for £200,000 and expect to spend £300,000 refurbishing and converting it.

The plans have been recommended for approval by Hyndburn Council's planning officers and a decision will be made by the planning committee on February 22.

Complaints received by the council include fears over noise and an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The planning application shows that the club will be accessed from Church Street. There will be a bar in the entrance area. In the former warehouse section both floors will be used as a club with bars.

Accrington has only one nightclub, Lar-de-dars on Eagle Street, although it is thought that Opium, which was gutted by a blaze in December 2004, could reopen this year.

Owner Mick Cookson, who has been called in to help with designs for Industry, said he was hopeful that when insurance money was available, work could begin on rebuilding Opium Willow Street.