FORMER soldiers have attacked a move by a town centre bar to create a cafe society just yards from a war memorial.

Members of the Royal Artillery Association are up in arms at plans put forward by Red On The Square to place tables and chairs on Nelson Square in Bolton.

They say it will attract yobbish behaviour resulting in broken bottles, glasses, cigarette butts and empty crisp packets littering the recently renovated area. Their claims have been strenuously denied by the bar management who say the area will be constantly monitored by staff.

But Rick Adamson, secretary of the Bolton Royal Artillery Association, said: "I can't believe the bar wants to use this area for such a purpose.

"It would desecrate the memory of those who died in two world wars."

Mr Adamson is concerned that the decision would affect poignant days such as Remembrance Sunday. Artillery member John Edwards, of Greenmount Park, Kearsley, agreed.

He said: "I've recently come back from visiting my uncle's war grave in Belgium and when I heard what was proposed for Nelson Square, I was disgusted.

"My uncle's name is on the memorial. This is just disrespectful."

Major Allan Rogerson, of Bradley Fold Road, Ainsworth, added: "The square is used for a commemorative service every Remembrance Sunday and it's an area of peace.

"We don't want to see it turned into a beer garden. It was bad enough last summer when customers from nearby pubs sat drinking on the steps of the war memorial."

The Artillery built the war memorial in 1920.

The outdoor dining area proposed by Red On The Square will have tables sheltered by umbrellas and cuustomers would be served by the bar staff.

The pub bosses say the proposal would allow them to bring a cafe society to Bolton in a move which follows neighbouring Manchester and key European cities such as Barcelona.

Simon Taylor, area manager of Red on the Square owners Thwaites Inns, said: "The area we are looking at is away from the war memorial. It is not our intention to disrespect the memories of those who died during the wars.

"We will make strong efforts to ensure the area is kept clean and tidy and we will clear the site on Remembrance Sunday."