A CHILDREN'S store could be converted into an teaching and training centre despite police concerns about crime in the area.

Building Design Services, on behalf of Mr Syed Tumheed Zafar, has submitted an application to Burnley Council to convert the former Babyworld Store into an education centre for the local community.

The building, in Green Street, was formerly used as a store to sell children's items, such as toys and prams, before Mr Zafar took ownership of the site earlier this year.

Mr Zafar wants to create a centre to provide short vocational courses, including English and Maths, a classroom, computer room and small conference room.

It is hoped at least five new jobs would be created and the building will open from Monday to Friday between 9am to 10.30pm, on Saturdays from 10am to 10pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

According to Zafar, neighbours and local community members have been consulted in this and found to be happy with the future plan.

In the planning document, the developer said: "The proposed plan will provide a new use to the building which will have an extremely good environmental impact on the building and to the local community. Hopefully it will attract valuable customers to Mr Zafar and increase his business. The local people will have a better service in the area."

However both Lancashire County Council and the police have submitted a written response to the council highlighting some of the concerns they have about the proposed development.

In the report, crime officer Davina Helm said: "Over the past 12 months, there have been numerous reports of crime recorded within the location that encapsulates the proposed development, including burglary, arson, criminal damage, vehicle crime, hate incidents and assaults.

"Educational establishments can be attractive to criminals and are often targeted for burglary as they generally store large quantities of IT equipment, such as computers, laptops, projectors, cameras and also petty cash."

In order to mitigate the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour officers have recommended a number of security measures be incorporated into the design of the proposed development, including a 24 hour CCTV system, intruder alarm system, 'dusk to dawn' light sensor and effective access control system.

Lancashire County Council's highways development control team has also voiced concerns relating to the development, including an increase to traffic flow and the lack of parking space for students to use.

In a written response to Burnley Council, highways development control officer Simon Hardie said: "Numerous vehicles stopping on Green Street or Briercliffe Road which has waiting restrictions, to allow passengers to be collected or dropped off will cause a disruption to the traffic flow."

A decision on the application will be made at an upcoming development control committee meeting.