A NIGHTCLUB owner hopes to persuade town centre bosses to get on board with a scheme to revitalise Accrington’s nightlife.

Level One owner Leon Kelly said plans to create outdoor marquee events in pedestrianised areas were the key to attracting revellers back to the town.

The Warner Street licensee also hopes to persuade more bar owners to make the switch to plastic glasses.

Mr Kelly, who was the first licensee to join the plastic glass campaign in partnership with police, has now been asked to appear at a town centre meeting this month to put forward his ideas.

He hopes to persuade officers and councillors that pedestrianised events, with lighting, entertainment and drinks stalls will prove to be a draw.

He said: “An open-air event, properly managed, would give some atmosphere back to Accrington.

"There are a number of small streets that could be cordoned off without much effect on traffic.

"The idea would be for people to begin their evenings in an open-air marquee, but not for it to continue too late.

“I would say it should go on 7pm to midnight, then people will move on to the bars.

“If the idea is taken up, I am hoping to get other licensees in the town involved to provide the stalls.

"If more would join the plastic glass campaign, that would be a plus, because providing a safe night out is the best attraction for people.

"Then we just need good acts.”

Hyndburn deputy leader Clare Pritchard, will be at the meeting on August 11.

She said: “The town centre is vital to the borough’s economy and we want to make it thriving and successful."