AGE UK Lancashire wants to turn a former Roman Catholic social hub into a charity shop.

It has applied for planning permission to convert the vacant Vincent Farrel Community Centre in Temple Street, Burnley.

The hub is named after a missionary priest from the town.

A supporting statement with the application to Burnley Council says: "Age UK Lancashire is totally self-funded.

"Charity shops are crucial to the work of the organisation.

"They help raise much-needed cash which is then used to provide services not funded by other agencies.

"They are also a great place to find good quality clothes, books and other items at very reasonable prices.

"Age UK Lancashire currently operates eight shops which are staffed by local volunteers across the county with locations at Accrington, Bamber Bridge, Bispham, Carnforth, Garstang, Nelson, Oswaldtwistle and St. Annes.

"The addition of a new store in Burnley will further cement the commitment of the charity to providing services to the people of the town.

"The Diocese of Salford, the site owners and landlord of the building, do not have an intention to re-open the premises as a community centre and are very keen to work with Age UK Lancashire to deliver a charity shop.

"The shop will employ four full-time staff and a team of volunteers and with the majority being from Burnley.

"Opening times will be 9am to 4.30pm Mondays to Saturdays.

"The centre consists of a single-storey modern premises with a main open plan hall of 145 square metres.

"The private car park serving the site can accommodate 10 off-street parking spaces including two disabled bays.

"There is a dense planted area along the car park frontage which has not been maintained and has become overgrown acting as a litter trap preventing surveillance of the car park from passers-by.

"The secluded nature of the car park coupled with the main building being vacant thus creates conditions for crime and anti-social behaviour.

"The property is planned to operate as a retail outlet which will sell donated clothing, Bric a Brac and small items of furniture. It will also include an area inside to accommodate for planned will writing and information and advice services.

"There will be an area which will offer printed material on all services offered by Age UK Lancashire.

"The proposed use will also not just be a retail outlet, but a community hub.

"The development will bring a vacant building back into use.

"By increasing footfall this will reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour."