MOST of Bolton's pubs will be closed on Saturday afternoon as Wanderers take on local rivals Manchester United.

Many bars will not open until after the kick off at noon -- and will then close between 2pm and 6pm in case violence breaks out after the derby.

Last month, licensees were advised to open an hour later than usual after officers gathered intelligence that hooligans from both sides were planning to meet at an undisclosed licensed premises to cause trouble.

They were also being urged to close until the early evening as police were concerned about thugs causing trouble after the police operation had been scaled down.

Letters were sent to all the licensees across the town from Chief Supt Don Brown of Bolton Police urging them to stay closed until after kick-off or only serve regular customers.

Licensees were warned that if violence does break out, they could be forced to close anyway to preserve the safety of the public.

Anyone who still refuses to shut could be prosecuted under section 179 of the Licensing Act 1964.

A meeting was held with police chiefs earlier this month at the Balmoral pub in Bradshawgate to discuss the plans. PC Greg Pickles from Bolton Police's licensing unit said the majority of landlords had heeded the warning.

He said: "The majority of pubs have agreed to stay closed until noon. Some are not going to open until early evening.

"We are delighted with the response to our request and all the licensees have been very supportive.

"They have been very responsible in their attitude towards the matter and it is in the interest of everyone that there is no trouble on the day."

Manager Helen Jury, from Red On The Square, will be open between noon and 2pm and then from 7pm. She said: "Everyone else is shutting so we are too. There are loads of windows in this pub - it would be like a red rag to a bull."

Antony Humphreys, who runs the Spinning Mule, added: "Most landlords agreed it was safer to close.

"Shutting for a couple of hours is better than the pub getting damaged and being closed on Saturday night.

"At the end of the day, our customers and staff come first."

Police are looking at using a similar policy in April when Wanderers play Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium.