THERE is no doubt that the new 60-bedroom hotel almost ready on land next to the Beehive pub in Horwich will boost the local economy.

It will bring jobs and trade to the area, and on that basis alone is welcome.

Unfortunately it opens amidst a local row, mostly about traffic congestion, that refuses to go away. There have been five accidents outside the pub during the past three years and the Chorley New Road roundabout there is especially busy with traffic to and from Middlebrook and the Reebok Stadium.

What it does bring into question, though, is a democratic issue. Local residents objected, councillors objected on their behalf, Bolton Council turned down the plans -- and a Government inspector over-ruled the lot.

We hope all these fears about the hotel prove to be unfounded. Fortunately, there will be plenty of interested local eyes monitoring the situation.