A FORMER nightclub could be demolished to pave the way for a state-of-the-art police station in Bacup.

It is estimated that the development at Horace's nightclub, off Market Street, will cost more than £500,000 as part of plans spearheaded by Lancashire Police Authority.

A deal has been struck between the Co-op and Rossendale Borough Council - which jointly own the former Horace's nightclub land and building - to develop the new headquarters.

The plan is to move the town's police station - which currently based at the top of a steep cobbled slope which is out of the way in Union Street - on to the former nightspot site which has been blighted by vandals and travellers in the recent past.

The Horace's site is visible off the main road, which runs through the town centre, and will stand behind Bacup's new health centre and complement the new Sure Start premises at Bacup's Maden Baths.

The building, which still displays the Horace's nightspot logo, shut down in June 1997, due to lack of business.

Dave Hancock, chairman of Rossendale's planning committee, said: "The police station will be built on the corner of Lee Street and Gas Street. This will be quite a substantial development for the town which will go towards helping to redevelop the area.

"We have already seen plans for a new health centre alongside Sure Start and Future's Park which will bring the area to a good standard.

"The actual design will be in keeping with the area, in the same way the health centre is to be developed to help retain the site's character.

"The plans are still going through the registration process so a recommendation has not been made by officers as yet but the application looks promising and it's what we wanted for that part of the town.

"The current police station location is not practical so this will be a huge boost if it goes ahead."

Steve Hodkinson, Lancashire Constabulary property services manager, will be in charge of the station's design and development.