THE owners of a popular Accrington nightclub are claiming licensing laws are driving people away and spoiling the town centre atmosphere.

Afrika's nightclub is calling for its licence to be extended so the Blackburn Road nightspot can stay open until 3am.

But police chiefs in Hyndburn are opposing the move amid claims that longer opening hours would lead to more disturbances in the town. A special licensing meeting has been called by Hyndburn Council for tonight in a bid to solve the the long running row.

Town hall bosses believe any move to let the club stay open later will set a precedent for other clubs and pubs in the borough.

Afrika's is asking for permission to stay open until 3am on Wednesday to Friday nights and manager Shane Radnor has written to the council.

The move follows the decision by Blackburn with Darwen to allow their clubs and pubs to stay open into the small hours. In the letter to the council Mr Radnor said: "We are not thinking of ourselves here, we think if we were to be given the extension of the entertainment licence then it would encourage the people of Hyndburn to stop the exodus from the town.

"This would have a knock on effect for the rest of the businesses in the town centre, not only the licensed venues, but the restaurants, takeaways and fast food establishments."

He added: "Accrington needs bringing into the 90s, this is a town, not some little village.

"What I am asking for is a chance to bring Hyndburn alive and put it back on the entertainment map."

The club has promised not to admit revellers after 1am and introduce strict controls over the sale of alcohol after 2am.

Accrington police have written to the council outlining their objections to the move.

They say: "There are already difficulties at these premises and in the surrounding area in terms of misbehaviour.

"The police have had to attend a number of calls at Afrika's and it is likely the situation will be exacerbated by a granting of a later licence."

The police also believe different opening hours for clubs could cause public order problems in the rest of the town centre.

They are also unhappy about the control the club will have over serving alcohol past 2am.

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