A DREAM to convert an empty council-owned bar into an 'arts cafe' has been shattered.

A group of the town's top musicians had formed a consortium in an attempt to take over the former Oscars Cafe Bar which closed earlier this year.

The aim was to convert the building at Wellsprings, Bolton, into a focal point for the borough's musicians and artists.

But members have now received a letter rejecting their application.

Singer-songwriter and Bolton Buskers Ball supremo Alec Martin had been campaigning for an arts cafe venue for several years.

He said: "Our plans would have created a facility for Bolton which is so badly needed.

"In Bury there is the Met which is a cafe bar for small gigs and local musicians.

"In Bolton there is nothing like it. I have been campaigning for ages, and when Oscars closed it seemed like the perfect venue. With its close proximity to the Octagon and the Albert Halls it was ideal.

"It would have been run by local people catering for the needs of the town.

"We would have got local artists to exhibit their work on the walls, as well as provided a venue for local musicians and non mainstream music.

"I do not know who has got the tenancy, but I am certain whoever it is will not have anything like the ambitious plans we had in mind. It is very disappointing."

A council spokesman said the tenancy had not yet been finalised, but more news was expected on an outcome within the next week.