A ROW over the future of a children's club has taken a new twist.

Tithe Barn Tots has already been served notice to quit St Bartholomew's parish hall by landlords the Church of England.

But councillors had delayed a decision to allow the club more time to try to buy the premises.

Now the C of E has lodged an official appeal for non-determination, alleging that the council has taken too long to decide on their application to create 11 homes on the parish hall site.

A government inspector may now be asked to decide whether the outline plan should go ahead.

The news is the latest development in what has become a bitter saga, with club founder Cath Renton and the church blaming each other for the failure to reach a deal.

More than 600 Westhoughton residents have signed a petition urging the council not to allow the loss of the child care facility but under planning rules this may not be used as a reason to turn the application down.