DEVELOPERS have hit back at Bolton business leaders' criticism of a proposed new out-of-town shopping and leisure complex.

Yesterday the BEN revealed that members of the Bolton Town Centre Partnership were set to object against the planned development at Middlebrook.

The Partnership claims the two-storey scheme - which would include a designer clothing factory outlet, heritage and tourism centre and restaurant - would further hit town centre trade.

But bosses at Emerson Development Holdings Ltd claim the proposed scheme would help prevent jobs and money being lost to other towns.

Stan Annison, Emerson's group commercial managing director, defended the proposals.

He said: "Despite the success of Middlebrook in creating the targeted jobs of around 4,000 and the knock-on effect of the construction of new factories and offices, we believe there is still an opportunity for the town to halt outward expenditure from the borough.

"If Bolton does not have such a facility then jobs and expenditure will be lost to the surrounding boroughs, given the substantial schemes that are currently proposed within those boroughs."

The company also claims a recent report found that major towns should have an out of town factory outlet, offering people the chance to shop elsewhere.

Emerson bosses revealed that the company had earlier withdrawn original proposals amid concerns it would impact on town centre trade.

But now they say the new application for the 10,800 sq metre shopping and leisure complex would be well served by existing travel links.

Mr Annison added: "No additional car parking is being provided, merely the better use and integration of the newly created facilities. Basically we are offering a one-stop shop."

Bolton councillors will hear more details about the scheme at a meeting later this month.

Emerson would also consider withdrawing the present application if the council were not able to support the company's and other similar out-of-town schemes.

Mr Annison added that Emerson, who have developed much of the Middlebrook area, would then look to work in co-operation with the council to fine-tune any further application.

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