EIGHT Blackburn bars have joined forces to break Accrington's long-standing grip on Sunday nights, and warned: "You've had it too easy for too long".

Bar life, the Baroque, FJ Nichols, Cubes, The Lounge, the Chocolate Bar, Moist, and O'Neill's now form a circuit of bars that create a Saturday-night atmosphere on Sundays.

Accrington has been East Lancashire's favourite Sunday nightspot since the 1950s, when dancers came from across the county to the town's many halls. That trend now seems to have become a convention for drinkers.

But Blackburn bar owners believe they can break the monopoly. They will run joint promotions and offers, and have put on a coach to take people from Accrington into Blackburn.

They think punters will get a different atmosphere, given the recent explosion of 'trendy' bars in the town.

Linzie Murray, works behind the bar at Baroque on Northgate, Blackburn. She said: "People may have got a little bit tired of the traditional pub atmosphere. There is definitely a market for our kind of bar. We are aimed at the twenty-something crowd. They want a wider selection of drinks, wines and food. This is all about trying to make a success of Sundays in Blackburn."

Scott Moon owns Cubes, Chocolate Bar and The Lounge. He said: "We were the first new bar to apply for a drinks licence in Blackburn for 16 years. We were also the first cafe bar in Blackburn. The other bars have latched on to the fact that we have made a go of things and are following suit."

"More bars means more choice, which is great for Blackburn's nightlife. A lot of people come from out of town. If we can get them to come on Sundays, then we may take over from Accrington as the most popular night."

Bernard Cupe, of the Moist bar, said they would give the project four weeks and then consider stepping up their involvement by giving Rock FM the opportunity to do a show.

"It was a surprise how well it went for a first night," he said. "We want to get as many nights as busy as possible. Accrington has had it to easy for too long. The tide is turning slowly and we need to keep it rolling."