THERE was mixed emotions at two Chorley children's nurseries this week.

Bright Horizons, who submitted plans for a 100-place nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, were given reason to celebrate after their proposal was recommended for approval.

But owners of long-established Pipers Private Nursery, Chorley, saw their plans recommended for the thumbs down as they went before Chorley Borough Council's development control committee on Tuesday night.

A report on the Bright Horizons proposal - on land at Clayton Green, Preston Road, said the single-storey day nursery with car parking was 'acceptable'.

Clayton-le-Woods Parish Council had objected on the grounds that the land was originally earmarked for business use and that at some point in the future it would be an ideal site for a new police station. But councillors heard that the new nursery would create 35 new jobs and that the development was 'appropriate for the location'.

Pipers, who wanted to change from day nursery and residential use to a day nursery with ancillary office and staff accommodation, was recommended for refusal on the grounds of increased traffic, which would particularly affect residents of nearby Shaftesbury Place.

The report said: "Due to the lack of any on-site parking provision, the restricted width and limited street parking, this would add to the congestion and be detrimental to the amenities of residents on Shaftesbury Place."

Residents of Shaftesbury Place signed a 15-name petition indicating their objections.