PLANS for a cyber cafe in Brierfield are a step closer following the handing over of the keys for the building to the project's developer -- Brierfield Action in the Community.

Once the building in Colne Road has been refurbished and fitted with at least 13 PCs, a scanner and a digital camera it will provide a much needed community facility for people in Brierfield.

It will add to the number of publicly available computer facilities in the town and be accessible to the community at times which are convenient, particularly evenings and weekends.

The cyber cafe will provide a friendly atmosphere for people who have never used a computer to learn the basics and become more familiar with using the internet.

It will particularly aim to attract women who are less likely to be confident in using a computer. A supervised play area will be available for children.

Having a cyber cafe in Brierfield will also give people the chance to informally practice what they have learned through existing training at schools, colleges and work.

It is hoped that the cafe will bring people together, help to overcome barriers, and contribute towards lifelong learning and better employment prospects.

The project is receiving funding from Pendle Partnership and from the European Regional Development Fund, Community Economic Development Programme.

Brierfield Town Council and Pendle's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund are also helping to finance the cyber caf.

The Brierfield cafe is just one of 19 'Pendle Community Link' IT centres that are being developed over the next three years by Northern Technologies and Pendle Community Network with funding from Pendle Partnership.

Cafe project manager Coun Pauline Allen said: "We are now one step closer to getting a much needed computer facility up and running in Brierfield. This facility will bring the community together and support lifelong learning and improved job prospects for local people.

"This shows what the community, working through Brierfield Action in the Community, can achieve. We are grateful for the financial support we have received from Brierfield Town Council, Pendle Partnership and others."