Concerns have been raised after firefighters were called to a former pub.

The Tempest on Chorley Old Road, Doffcocker, is set to be converted into a nursery after closing its doors in 2022.

Neil Pike Architects received permission by Bolton Council to convert the building into a nurser in May this year.

A fire broke out at the property last week involving a quantity of rubbish.

Firefighters used a hose reel and short extension latter were used to bring it under control.

No damage was caused to the exterior of the building.

Graham Baristow, who lives nearby, said: “The fire service was here for about an hour and a half.

“You could see smoke coming out of it."

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At around 6.45pm on Thursday, July 25, three fire engines from Bolton Central and Bolton North fire stations were called to reports of a fire in a commercial premises on Chorley Old Road, Bolton.

"The fire involved a quantity of rubbish in the first floor of the building which was extinguished using a hose reel and a short extension ladder.

“Crews were in attendance for around 40 minutes.”

Ward councillor Roger Hayes said: "It is very concerning if people are setting things on fire which is what it sounds like."

He added the owners were responsible for ensuring the building was secured, and the council do have powers to secure buildings if necessary.

Under the plans there will be space for more than 70 children at the nursery.

At the time the planning committee decided the matter Cllr Hayes said there have been no negative response from those in the surrounding area.

He said: “We know there are issues with the high costs of nursery places recently so I’d hope that another facility like this will help to do something about that.”

The conditions imposed included not having more than 74 children in at a time and the opening hours being kept to 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

In recent years a number of empty pubs have been the target of arsonists, including The Lever Arms Pub in Darcy Lever.