PROTESTERS turned up for the second day of the public inquiry into plans to build a controversial 60-bed hotel.

Residents living near the Beehive pub, on Chorley New Road, attended the hearing at the town hall and listened to further arguments as to whether the development should go ahead.

On the first day of the public inquiry, families told the independent Government inspector that the Punch Travel Inn, which would be built at the rear of the restaurant, would cause serious traffic problems.

They said vehicles leaving the car park would have to cross a lane of traffic onto the busy roundabout.

Ward Cllr Barbara Ronson backed up their argument. But she was also concerned that further issues were not raised at the hearing.

Speaking after the inquiry, she said: "There were very real concerns which were not addressed in the planning applications and were still not fully clarified at the public inquiry.

"These include the effects of late night noise on the adjoining sheltered accommodation and other neighbouring residents."

Residents Nicole Simpson, Steven Beswick and Joan Sheridan spoke at the two-day inquiry about the problems the hotel could cause them. They also asked questions about the development.

The planning application was initially recommended for refusal by Horwich town council and was later refused by Bolton Council.

The company felt the decision was unjustified and resubmitted the plans. They told the inquiry there was adequate parking and no threat to traffic and safety.

Mr Paul Tucker, for the company, said the suggestion that the development would create an increased accident risk was "grossly misleading".

The firm also claims it could reduce noise by taking away the children's open-air playground.

The inspector has visited the site on three occasions, including during the morning and evening peak periods. A decision is expected next month.