A NEW £500,000 nightclub will open in Accrington by Easter after planners gave the project the green light.

Local businessmen Mohammed Mukhtar and Thair Iqbal are converting a former shop premises in Church Street into a two-storey venue which they say will reinvigorate the town's stagnant night life.

Builders have already started work at the site and Mr Mukhtar said that they will be working around the clock to ensure that the club is ready for an Easter weekend opening on April 14.

The plans were given the go-ahead by Hyndburn Council despite the concerns of some councillors and 22 letters of objection that were sent from local residents.

Complaints include fears over noise and a possible increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.

But Mr Mukhtar, 29, said the nightclub, which will be called "Industry", had the backing of local people.

He said: "The people who live in the nearby flats are all for it. We have spoken to residents and they are quite happy. They know that they will not be disturbed.

"We are going to be particular about our clientele, there is going to be a dress code and it will be a classy place."

He said that Industry will be an over-21s venue that will play R&B, dance and pop music.

Mr Mukhtar and Mr Iqbal bought the property for £200,000 and expect to spend a further £300,000 refurbishing.