A TEN PIN bowling centre which closed its doors due to the economic downturn has been saved.

Accrington Superbowl, in Hyndburn Road, announced in May it had been forced to close due to the ‘current economic climate’.

However the attraction has now been taken over by bowling chain Garland Leisure and is set to reopen next month, creating around 25 jobs.

Jobs for the reopened centre are being advertised online and it is expected to open within three or four weeks after being refurbished.

The amusement, bar and bowling complex is next to Accrington’s Vue Cinema in the centre of town.

Deputy Hyndburn council leader Clare Pritchard, who oversees town centre regeneration, said it was significant news for attracting more visitors to Accrington.

She said: “It is just fantastic to hear that the Superbowl is to reopen. Obviously we want to keep the town centre vibrant and to provide something for everybody.

“It would have been a real problem to have this building left empty, so it’s great news for the town."

Garland Leisure has 33 branches including 1st Bowl in Burnley’s Finsley Gate, which offers 24 fully automated bowling lanes, amusements, a diner, pool tables, bar and organised parties.

Plans for the Accrington centre are expected to be similar, but with an added function room.

Chair of Garland Leisure Mehdi Afshar said: “I’ve been walking around Accrington today and people are really excited to hear Superbowl is reopening.

“I’ve opened a lot of branches nationwide and I’ve never had such a friendly reception as I have had here.”

Tim Webber of Globe Enterprises Limited, owners of the Viaduct site, said: “We are delighted to see the Superbowl reopen and hope the public support the new operators.

“Garland Leisure has committed to a long term lease of the property and we wish them every success.”