EDUCATION bosses have jeopardised an Indian restaurant's controversial plans by deciding to keep hold of a vital pocket of land.

Members of Bolton Council's education and arts committee have agreed with governors of Turton High School that the land, which lies in the grounds of the school, must stay in the hands of the education department.

This decision will throw a spanner in the works of the plan to convert the former Bromley Cross Health Centre into an Indian restaurant.

The planning approval included a car parking requirement, for which the land was earmarked.

But Cllr Peter Johnston hit out at the education and arts committee meeting branding objectors of the restaurant plans "hypocrites."

"I remember several years ago, the residents of Ladybridge objecting just as loudly over a planned pub, but these people were more than happy to go supping in other people's backyards.

"I am inclined to support the recommendation put to this committee simply because it would be premature to dispose of this land until we know what the development needs of the school will be.

"I have no wish to get involved in an argument about the restaurant, but seldom have I read of such hypocrisy."

Turton High School governor Cllr Alan Wilkinson said the land issue had been fully discussed by governors at a recent meeting."

"Governors took their decision on purely educational grounds. We as a committee should not be looking at the disposal of land which we may need in the future."

This view was supported by Cllr Donald Carr: "We must take account of the fact that this school is bursting at the seams. Two hundred pupils were turned down for a place last year because of a lack of space.

"We must hold on to every inch of land to cater for demand," he added.

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