PLANS to build a new £500,000 ten-pin bowling centre and roller-skate rink in Selby have finally been given the go-ahead.

The development was put on hold for more than a year after objections from nearby Hodgson Chemicals' bosses, who said the project could jeopardise their factory's future expansion plans.

But the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has now given the centre, which will be housed in a warehouse in Bawtry Road, the green light.

HSE chiefs refuted claims that hazardous substances stored at Hodgson's could be a problem. They said the risk of harm to people using and working at the bowling centre was so low that it could not advise against granting planning permission on grounds of safety.

The HSE advice led to members of Selby District Council's planning committee voting unanimously to approve the new "family entertainment centre".

Developer David Wardle, who runs a similar bowling complex in Rhondda, mid-Glamorgan, said today he was delighted with the decision.

He said: "I've been waiting patiently for 14 months for this. If it wasn't safe for us, then it wasn't safe for people living nearby.

"If there had been the slightest risk to public health, I wouldn't have gone ahead with it."

Mr Wardle, boss of Bliss Logistics, said the new facility should now be up and running in time for Christmas.

It will include 12 ten-pin bowling lanes with computerised scoring, a circular skating rink, children's adventure play area, six American pool tables, arcade games area, bowling shop, licensed bar and fast-food restaurant.

Everything will be housed inside a 25,000 sq ft warehouse, leased from Pro-Am Karting, which operates in a nearby warehouse.

The centre will create more than 20 jobs.

Mr Wardle said: "I want it to be known as a family venue where mums and dads can bring their children and be safe.

"Selby is a growing town and the nearest bowling centre is in York, so I'm confident it will be well received."

Coun Steve Shaw-Wright said: "We're fully behind this project, which will be a massive boost for Selby and give youngsters something to do during the evening."

Updated: 15:12 Friday, May 24, 2002