[Acrylic-bob]

I seem to remember that not many months ago that the owners and managers of public houses in Accrington town centre were complaining at some length about the disturbing lack of customers in their establishments. So serious was this dearth of punters that some were considering closing.

How odd then to hear that the planning comittee of HBC has just granted permission for a change of use to accomodate a new development by the Baracuda Group (interesting choice of name!), owners of the "Smith and Jones" chain of public houses.

Even odder, apparently the premises which are the subject of the change of use permission are already occupied by Davies Bed Centre and Farleys Solicitors.

Davies Bed Centre now faces having to relocate their business to allow the Baracuda Group to turn their premises into a pub.

But wait, there is more and it gets even odder. Apparently the upper floors of the premises occupied by Davies Bed Centre are let out as flats.

Battling Doug Hayes, our indefatigable Crime Czar, (Is his face really such a lurid shade of crimson? - He should see a doctor!) who sits on the planning committee said: " Davies Beds is not the concern of the planning committee. We are assesing economic factors as well and this building could have ended up becoming derelict. I believe the application to be a very good one."

Now, call me old fashioned if you will but, I thought that the whole thrust of the new determination of HBC to embrace town centre regeneration as a "Key" issue, was to offer support and encouragement to the retail sector and to improve the shopping experience.

It strikes me that making it impossible for a retail business to continue trading by agreeing to an application for change of use at the behest of a company who is not the current tenant and then saying in public that the fate of the business you have just interfered with is none of your concern, is a little high-handed to say the least. If the fate of a thriving retail business which the planning committee has effectively evicted isn't the committee's concern then, whose concern is it?

And what of the poor people who will have to live above this proposed pub? Do they have no say in the matter? All of which leaves aside the question of dwindling pub trade which will be further reduced once this £1 million gin palace opens its doors.

It sort of makes you wonder what sweet songs the Baracuda Group have been serenading the members of the planning committee with for Councillor Edith Dunston to come out with the following statement: "Retail business in Accrington is more or less going down the pan. This plan is a little up-market and I am all for giving a lift to the centre of the town. I think it will be an asset." with sentiments like that from the planning comittee of the local authority it is little wonder that retailers are leaving the town as fast as their legs will carry them.

Tune in next week folks to hear Doug Hayes criticise people for drinking too much. The word you may be searching for is Hypocrite!