A PLAN to use a former warehouse as a community centre has been withdrawn by the owners of the premises.

People living in the area around Netwon Street, Audley Range, Blackburn, say the building is being used by large numbers of people most weekends.

Residents claim the hall, known as the VMI building, has been used throughout the summer for large weddings and social gatherings, even though planning permission has not been granted.

People who live in the streets surrounding the building have complained about late night disturbance, rubbish and obstructions.

The problems are also made worse because another community centre is situated on Newton Street.

Police are regularly called out to deal with parking problems and are often forced to book people who obstruct driveways.

And around 90 people signed a petition opposing a planning application to change the use of the VMI building.

But the Trustees of Masjid-E-Riswan, who own the building and a mosque on Newton Street, have since decided to withdraw the planning application.

The trustees will now meet with planning officials and local councillors in a bid to find a way to solve the problem.

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