A SOCIAL club may be given a reprieve if councillors block plans to demolish it and build houses on the site.

Clayton-le-Moors Sports and Social Club has been under threat after trade dropped.

But a new management team has breathed new life into the club, on Moor Street, and planners have been recommended to refuse the application by Bolton-based owners Fretlane Ltd.

In April, the company said the club was not making enough money to make it a viable commercial proposition, but they have since installed Angela Calvert and her partner Gary Williams as managers.

Ms Calvert, who also runs Churchills nightclub, in Cannon Street, Accrington, said: "As far as I'm aware there was no one using the club and that was why this proposal was put forward.

"Figures have increased -- there are people coming in and the club is used a lot more.

"I was told should that happen, and continue to happen, they won't proceed with this option.

"It was just an option they had. Even though they put in the application there was no certainty that was the way they would go. People are coming in now and we have got quite a good clientele, a mixture including families.

"If that continues and improves there will be no need to put houses on here."

Ward councillor Tim O'Kane said: "I'm glad there probably won't be houses there.

"It's right that we should be keeping clubs because they are a valuable amenity for a community."

Hyndburn Council planning officers say the proposal would contravene government guidance, which says previously developed sites should be used for housing, ahead of greenfield sites. The council's planning committee will consider the application on Wednesday.