A NIGHTCLUB owner believes Hyndburn nightlife will be left in the dark if an application to extend opening hours is not accepted.

Afrika's nightclub in Accrington have asked Hyndburn Borough Council for permission to extend its opening hours to 3am - so it can compete with rival nightspots in Blackburn and Burnley.

The council's licensing and traffic orders sub-committee were set to meet this week to discuss the application, but club manager Shane Radnor believes he should be given the go ahead to help put Hyndburn back on the entertainment map.

Mr Radnor said: "Nightlife in Accrington will die if clubs are not allowed to extend their opening hours. People from the town are already travelling in bus loads to Blackburn and Burnley and that will continue."

He added: "All we are asking is for the council to have the courage to set the precedent in allowing us to stay open and compete fairly with our rivals. It is about time Hyndburn woke up to the 90s and we would welcome other nightclubs in the borough to follow us."

A similar application was turned down by members last year but a second submission is for permission for an extension only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The club has the backing of 144 regulars who have submitted a petition to the council, but the Police have recommended that the application should be turned down.

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