A NEW venue is being offered to charities after a shop provided for them at a discounted rate was closed.

But a trustee of one charity said it was mixed news as the new premise was smaller and came with more expensive rent.

In April, a council-owned shop in Lord Street West, Blackburn, which had been provided for charities on a weekly basis for more then 20 years, closed.

It had provided charities with a way of raising vital funds and many were left fearing for the future after the shop closed.

But now 37 Penny Street, Blackburn, is being made available for charities in a similar arrangement.

It will cost £100 a week in rent, £15 more than the Lord Street West shop.

The decision was made in May. But safety checks and minor repairs caused a delay.

The shop is now expected to open on July 16.

Carol Duggan, trustee of East Lancashire Animal Welfare, which had rented the old shop, said it was mixed news.

She said: "It is good news that we have a new shop but we will be charged £100 rent per week and it is smaller premises.

"Our charity has faced difficulty since the charity shop closed.

"This shop will go someway to helping fundraising but it can only be temporary as the market is due to be regenerated."

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration said: "The council welcomes the decision to re-house the charity shop, which was taken by councillors from all political parties in May, as the charities involved were keen to be open for business by mid July.

"We gratefully value their work and involvement in various enterprises."

The council closed down the Lord Street West premises over health and safety concerns.