AN Accrington drop-in centre is facing closure after a planning application for its use and a further extension of the building was refused.

The Hamdard Centre, in Garbett Street, Accrington, had been operating for the last 12 months without planning permission and may now have to find alternative premises to operate from.

The mid-terraced house, between residential properties, is being used as a drop-in and advice centre for the Asian community by providing IT classes, legal advice, educational support, and awareness on health issues.

Used primarily by older members of the community it also provides a weekly luncheon club and sewing classes with future plans to hold cooking classes.

But at a planning and development meeting it was decided that this was not appropriate use for that type of premises and that an alternative base should be sought.

Coun Dave Parkins said: "I am very worried about this property. Health and Safety would close it down if they went in." Coun Tim O'Kane added: "It is trying to be too many different things. I am sure that different retail places would be better for this."

Brendan Lyons, head of planning services, said: "The next step is to decide whether enforcement action is to be taken. We will be meeting with the centre to discuss helping to search for a new property."

One site which was suggested at the meeting was that of the old Co op In addition to problems with the two up two down premises' suitability for a centre expecting between 10 and 15 visitors a day complaints were also received from a neighbour about its activities.

A letter of objection claimed that the centre caused a noise nuisance into the early hours of the morning and traffic congestion. Another concern was that neighbours were not notified before the property began use as a drop-in centre.

Jemshad Ahmed, community development officer at the centre, said: "I have not spoken to the council about this yet. But hopefully if we do have to move into alternative premises they can help us with that.

"This is a very worthwhile project which we have been running for the last 18 months and we have a really good relationship with the council which we will hopefully maintain if we have to relocate."