Opening hours at a Bolton takeaway have remained unchanged despite “unacceptable levels of violence" reported at its premises.

Police said they were called to a catalogue of violent incidents at Shah’s Pizza on Bradshawgate.

As a result, the council ordered a review of its licence, which allows it to stay open until 6am.

After hearing from police and the owner, the licencing committee opted to allow its opening times to remain the same.

But the takeaway was told two security staff would be needed until 1am until closing time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The council also said the nearby taxi rank would have to be moved further down Bradshawgate.

Police said there had been 18 reported incidents between December 21 last year and June 19 this year.

During one of these a customer attacked men with a wooden plank and there was a “potentially fatal” incident where a man was threatened with a broken bottle.

At the review hearing, a spokesperson for the company said they were not responsible for the violence.

They said: “The customers that gather around the takeaway are mainly from the pub, mainly incidents take place after 12, they usually come from the local pub after having a certain amount of alcohol.

“Most incidents have taken place outside the takeaway.

“Black cab taxi drivers tend to park outside the takeaway where they have enough space to park in the next block and the following block which causes a lot of people to stand there.

“There is a lot of people waiting for taxis not having a takeaway, while they are waiting they will come inside.

“If the black cab drivers park in the place they are supposed to park I think that would reduce a lot of crime.”

They also said another doorman could not be afforded due to the current economic situation.

In its decision, the committee said: "Having regard to the licensing objectives on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder the premises licence be amended to include a condition that the premises license holder must put in place two ACS accredited door supervisors from Friday to Sunday from 1am until close.

"It was noted that the existing location of the taxi rank was allowing people to congregate and following its relocation the subcommittee felt that this could alleviate the situation."