A NEW micro-bar could be heading to Accrington town centre.

Philip Hamilton of Hustle Inns Ltd has submitted plans to Hyndburn Council for a change of use from a beauty and tanning shop on Water Street to a micro-pub.

In the accompanying statement, he is looking to sell mainly real ale and farmhouse cider straight from the cask made by independent producers.

He said: “A micro-pub is not a standard pub but rather is more like a traditional alehouse providing a relaxed and sociable atmosphere for a comparatively small number of customers.

“Without amplified music, fruit machines or television it will feel like a small country pub despite its town centre location, meaning it will be attractive to discerning drinkers out for a quiet pint or two.”

Mr Hamilton added: “I am requesting hours to sell alcohol which do not exceed normal trading hours of other local pubs.The sale of alcohol will cease at 23.00 Monday to Thursday and I request opening hours until 23.30 and 24.00 Friday and Saturday and I request opening hours until 00.30.This will give customers time to catch the last bus or train.

“Many other micro-pubs close during weekday afternoons, and at 21.00 on weeknights or close entirely one weekday.

“After judging trade patterns I will probably choose to reduce my opening hours accordingly.

“Noise will be kept to a minimum with recorded music will be kept at background level, any live music performances will be acoustic only.”

Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Any positive investment by individual in the town centre of Accrington will be good for the area and I am sure it will be judged by the planning committee on its merits.

“Town centres are now having to become social hubs and they are changing all the time with supermarkets catering for people’s needs.

“However, new micro-pubs do have a place in bringing people into the town centres.”

In the planning documents, there will be a ground floor and first floor to the micro-pub.

On the ground floor plans there will be a disabled toilet and bar area while upstairs there is separate seating areas and tables.

n What do you think of the news? Does Accrington need a new micro-pub? Email robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk.