A STORE'S plans to sell clothing and footwear at Middlebrook have been refused by Horwich Town Council.

The councillors made their decision about the Allders store, which currently sells furniture, lighting, electrical items and household goods, based on restrictions that were put into place when the retail park opened six years ago, which stated that outlets should not be permitted to sell certain items.

The restrictions were decided by a planning inspector from outside Bolton with the aim of protecting traders in the town centres of Bolton and Horwich.

Councillors decided that approving Allders' application would breach those conditions and recommended it to be refused.

Their decision came as some traders in Horwich town centre have claimed they had been hard hit by the out-of-town retail park.

Councillor Barbara Ronson said: "We have always worked to support and uphold the inspector's decision because we think if you allow one to sell these goods they will all apply -- it's the thin end of the wedge.

"Some people seem to be confused as to why Tesco and Asda are allowed to sell clothes, but Tesco is out of the retail park area and the clothing in Asda is a secondary use, most people go there for food.

"Next is leisure and is therefore not covered by the same restrictions that cover the retail section."

Allders was unavailable for comment.

Bolton Council will make the final decision.