PLANS for a new town centre nightclub in Burnley may be put on hold after objections by two rival nightspots.

Renovations to the building in Red Lion Street, Burnley, are already under way and workmen are in the process of transforming the site into a 1,000 capacity club to be known as Arena.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Luminar Leisure Ltd, who run The Works and Chicago Rock, both in Hammerton Street have sent a letter to Burnley Borough Council's Licensing Committee filing an objection.

The basis for the objection is the club's 4am opening time.

The letter says that, 'There is no need for a Public Entertainments Licence for the hours requested.'

A spokesman for Luminar leisure said: "In such instances where we believe an operation does not conform to the requirements of a public entertainment license we would wish to bring such matters before the councillors on the licensing committee whilst they consider there decision.

"We do not think that the club in Red Lion Street with a public entertainments licence would be of benefit to Burnley."

Previously the nightspot -- at the bottom of the bus station - was known as Club XPO and Chaplin's Bar.

Police objected to a 4am licence in 1996 saying it would create a real possibility of public disorder. It was claimed that people from other premises in Burnley and elsewhere would try to gain entry, causing severe problems for management and door staff.

A spokesman for OBar, the company overseeing the renovations, refused to discuss the matter before a meeting to discuss the application which will be held at Burnley Town Hall tomorrow.