A CHIP shop owner has vowed to take his fight to the courts in a bid to save his business from closing down.

Paul Moulden, who runs Paul's Chippy in Melville Street, Great Lever, watched planning bosses at Bolton Council reluctantly approve plans to change the chip shop into offices.

But the angry 37-year-old former Manchester City footballer is battling back and says he is ready to contest the chip shop's lease in court.

A county judge is likely to decide the fate of the shop within the next couple of months.

The owners of the premises, Deborah and Peter Langley, who run the nearby Langleys Bedrooms, have served Mr Moulden a notice to quit the property.

But the move has led to angry protests from customers who have produced a petition with more than 100 signatures.

Stephen Gardiner, who visits the chip shop for lunch, said: "It'd be a real shame if it closed. There's no reason for it and the shop serves the community really well."

Mr Moulden, who delivers meals to businesses in Great Lever, has rented the chip shop for the past seven years.

But he claims that the Langleys have gone back on an agreement to extend and renew the lease for another 14 years.

He is upset that he was not informed about the decision in writing and says he only heard the news because of a chance conversation between a member of staff and a neighbouring shop owner.

Cllr Andy Morgan, who sits on the planning committee, voted against the plan and admitted he was not happy that the tenant would be losing his livelihood.

Mr Moulden said: "I was disappointed by the decision, but it was not unexpected. Hopefully, the court will let me keep my livelihood.

"This chip shop is a focal point for the community where generations of families have come to buy fish and chips.

"People come in and stop and chat and I know a lot of my elderly customers will be particularly disappointed.

"It will deprive me of my principal source of income for myself, wife and three children.

"We have built up a great client base and become an integral part if the Great Lever set-up."

The Langleys are also closing down Parkfield Garage despite an outcry from boss Dennis Gardiner.

Peter and Deborah Langley were unavailable for comment.