A TURKISH restaurant could be turned into a nursery after its owner admitted trade was ‘struggling’.

Ismail Aydin, who has managed the Turkish Fast Food Restaurant since it opened in 2009, has lodged plans with Burnley Council to change the use of the Todmorden Road building.

The businessman, who admitted his plans were ‘a gamble’, said the nursery could accommodate up to 40 youngsters and create five jobs.

The restaurant and its associated takeaway delivery business, which was formerly the Wellington Hotel pub, will continue to trade until the planning process is concluded.

Mr Aydin, 38, said: “If I did get permission, it would not be me managing the nursery, but I would still own the building.

“It is a gamble. Everything to do with the restaurant is still running but we are struggling at the moment. I think a nursery would make better business sense.”

Mr Aydin lives above the site with his family but said they would move if his application was successful.

“Whatever you try to do you have objections but I’m just trying to make good use of this building,” he added.