CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a kebab shop in Farnworth were due to go before planning chiefs today.

Councillors will debate whether the shop should be given the green light.

Opposition has been voiced by traders who fear an extra food shop would drive customers away from the town. A quarter of the shops along Higher Market Street already serve food and it is claimed that another would reduce variety for shoppers.

The recommendation, however, is for approval and a report being put to councillors today states the takeaway could "result in healthy competition and improvements in qualitative terms". The proposals have been placed before Bolton Council by local entrepreneur Bassemm Omar.

Cllr Peter Johnson has objected to the scheme on the grounds of the number of similar businesses. A further 99 letters of objection have been lodged.

Kathy Maddock of the Trojan Grill, which is next door, said: "It's time retail units were attracted to the town because there are far too many takeaways. There needs to be different outlets -- a takeaway would just lead to less choice as well as affecting food shops who already trade here."

The applicant has put forward 74 letters of support. An application for a Chinese restaurant on Higher Market Street has also gone before planners again with a recommendation for approval.