THE ambitious creation of a leisure complex in the heart of Accrington is set to begin within weeks after councillors finally gave it the green light.

Hyndburn Council's development services committee yesterday approved the £2million scheme, which paves the way for a cinema, bowling alley and fast food restaurant to be created on derelict land off King Street and Hyndburn Road.

Developers hope to have it running by next December, providing local youngsters with an ideal Christmas present.

The entire scheme came about after a petition from local youngsters, headed by 13-year-old Emma Allardice, who said they were sick and tired of travelling to Blackburn and Burnley to take advantage of leisure facilities.

At yesterday's meeting, only two issues of concern were raised by councillors over parking and pedestrian access to the site. Those problems will be addressed by the council's policy and resources committee. Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "To get a scheme like this to this stage has been a long and drawn out process but it has been worth it.

"It has been a case of making sure the scheme is viable because we want it to stay once it is built."

The firm behind the scheme, Globe Enterprises, which is an offshoot of Hyndburn Council, has spent more than a year trying to find suitable clients for the property.

A London-based cinema company has been found to run the four-screen cinema, while North Lancashire-based Osprey will run the 20-lane bowling alley.

Globe Enterprises boss Nigel Rix, who is also Hyndburn's director of regeneration has also revealed two burger companies are bidding for the fast food outlet, but has refused to name them.

He has, however, already revealed the development of the site will begin as soon as is practicable once planning permission is granted.

In a report to the development services committee, director of planning Brendon Lyons said: "I consider this site to acceptable for development for leisure uses and is located close to the town centre, a main road into Accrington, the railway station and is well served by bus routes.

"It will also be accessible by foot."

Development services chairman Jim Dickinson said: "It is excellent news that a derelict site in such a prominent location is to be developed for the benefit of all the community."