A BLACKBURN pub could still be turned into a "high-class" amusement arcade despite councillors' decision not grant a permit for the project.

Members of Blackburn with Darwen's licensing committee turned down a licence application from Sceptre Leisure Solutions, who have already appealed against the decision.

The company was recently granted planning permission to convert the Thwaites owned JAM bar in Church Street, but has been told it cannot have a licence for amusement machines.

Police, traders and church representatives from Blackburn Cathedral opposed the plans. PC Steven Finley, a police licensing officer, said the arcade would put a burden on police resources and could lead to already rising levels of disorder.

Simon Robinson, a solicitor for Sceptre, told a licensing committee meeting the company wanted to spend £1million transforming the building into a members only "high-class" arcade.

It would, he said, have roulette and racing machines, as well as a seating area where members could enjoy soft drinks while watching television.

"This would be a new concept, perhaps the first of its kind in the country, a new product for the people of Blackburn" Mr Robinson said.

Planning permission to transform the building was eventually granted on appeal after Blackburn with Darwen councillors turned down the application.

Councillor David Pearson, a member of the licensing sub-committee which rejected the application, said: "We did not feel that the application was right for that area. There are already a number of arcades close to the site and, in our opinion, one more would be too many.

"We also considered the police report which said there was a chance that another arcade could lead to more anti-social behaviour."

Ken Turner, chief executive of Sceptre, said his company had already appealed against the decision. He added: "Our legal team was very, very surprised by the decision.

"The council rejected the original planning application and were dealt with firmly by the inspectorate who who upheld the appeal."