TRADERS and councillors in Darwen have slammed a decision to allow another takeaway to open in the town centre.

The Chinese takeaway will open in a former hairdresser's shop in Duckworth Street after approval was given by Blackburn with Darwen planning committee.

It was approved despite members receiving a petition containing 552 signatures opposing the application.

There will be more than 30 takeaways in the town when it opens, with almost half of them along the A666 between Blackburn Road and Duckworth Street. Many Darreners are now fed up of takeaways taking the places of retail shops.

Koon Fat Lee, 55, owner of nearby New Star Chinese Takeaway, on Blackburn Road, said he was disgusted that planning permission was granted after he handed in the petition against the application.

He said: "I am very upset about this. I am worried about my business because it is going to be even more competition for us and I think there are far too many takeaways in Darwen already.

"We have been here 30 years and there were only about two takeaways then. It has just built up over the years and now an awful lot have been allowed to open.

"Everyone is struggling to make a living and that is why so many people were so ready to sign the petition."

Sudell ward councillor Paul Browne also slammed the decision.

He said: "My ward has too many takeaways and restaurants.

"In the 200 metres around where it is opening, there is already a Southern Fried Chicken, two Chinese takeaways, two fish and chip shops, two Chinese restaurants, two Indian takeaways, two Indian restaurants and three sandwich bars."

A council spokesman said: "The council has a threshold of not having more than 50 per cent food or drink places in an area, so this was acceptable.

"If it went to appeal, they would probably lose.

"There are also three empty units in the area so this would help the viability by bringing an empty premises back into business."