BURNLEY could be set for round-the-clock drinking after bosses behind a multi-million dev-elopment applied to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.

The former Elizabeth Street Mill furniture warehouse is being transformed into a "high class" nightspot called Kokos.

Developers the Musso family believe that the ambitious scheme will attract people from up to 20 miles around when Kokos opens in December.

But fears have been raised about the proposed 24/7 drinks licence from the Bishop of Burnley.

If councillors approve the opening hours, it will be the first venue in the town to have a round-the-clock licence.

Burnley's Lava and Ignite nightclub in Hammerton Street is open until 3am on Fridays and 3.30am on Saturday.

Over five floors Koko's will have:

  • A jazz, soul and blues club in the basement called 'The Cavern'
  • Latino bar The Hacienda' selling tapas food and playing salsa music on the first floor.
  • Italian restaurant called Salvatore's on the first floor
  • Cabaret bar with live shows called Kokos on the second floor
  • A top-floor private members' champagne and cocktail lounge opening up on to a roof top terrace called 'The Heights'.

The scheme is the brainchild of Pino Musso, a entertainment entrepreneur who owns Sanctuary rock bar in Cow Lane in the town.

He has put his life savings into the project.

His daughter Lisa Musso, 28 who manages Sanctuary, said they were hoping to open in December, but were awaiting final confirmation from the council.

Ms Musso said that although they had applied for the round-the-clock licence they were as yet undecided about the final opening times.

She said: "Kokos is my dad's big project of a life time.

"He has invested a lot of time and money into it and we are really excited about it opening.

"There is nothing like this for miles around.

"I think the nearest is in Manchester, so it should be a really positive thing for the people of Burnley.

"My family will all be helping out so it will be a really family-run establishment. "

Burnley council leader Gordon Birtwistle welcomed the development, which he said added to a "thriving town centre".

He said: "The night-time economy in Burnley is absolutely booming.

"It's now known as one of the places to be in Lancashire.

"So obviously in town we are looking for quality rather than just places where people drink.

"If this offers something a bit different it can only be a good thing and I hope they do very well."

But the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, said he was concerned the club's long hours could encourage binge drinking.

He said: "There is clearly a major problem with binge drinking in our country and I would hope whoever opens it would be able to give assurances that it would be exercised responsibly.

"We don't want Burnley to become as bad as bigger towns in this respect.

"Investment is badly needed in Burnley. We need the sort of inward investment that will help the town grow, and bring quality, well-paid jobs.

"I am pretty convinced that no nightclub is going to provide this."