A £500,000 nightclub set to open in Accrington will reinvigorate the town's stagnant night life, say its owners.

Local businessmen Mohammed Mukhtar and Thair Iqbal have converted a former shop in Church Street into a two-storey venue which they plan to call Industry.

The project has been dogged by delays, as it was originally hoped to open at Easter.

But Mr Mukhtar, 29, said work was now finished and ready for opening on August 1.

He added: "I am really pleased with how it looks. We've had some delays because of putting in the disabled stairlifts."

He said he believed the town was in real need of a new nightclub: "There used to be a time when the town centre was heaving and we want people to come into Accrington again."

Mr Mukhtar said Industry will be an over-21s venue playing R&B, dance and pop music. The business partners bought the property for £200,000 and are spending £300,000 refurbishing.

There have been objections to club from neighbours and local councillors. Complaints included fears over noise and a possible increase in anti-social behaviour.

But Mr Mukhtar said: "People who live in nearby flats are all for it. We have spoken to residents and they are quite happy. They know 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."

Accrington has only one nightclub, Lar-de-dars in Eagle Street, although it is thought Opium, Willow Street, which was gutted by fire in 2004, could reopen later this year.