THE JD Wetherspoon pub chain is pledging to offer something different for town centre customers if it gets the go ahead to open in Bolton.

The Watford based firm is rapidly expanding around the country, aiming to open 350 new pubs by the year 2001.

And the Nelson Square site in Bolton is a key part of that expansion plan.

JD Wetherspoon put the emphasis on plain and simple gimmick-free surroundings. There are no juke boxes, no karaoke and no music of any kind.

Pool tables and dart boards are also not on the Wetherspoon agenda.

A spokesman said: "We put a lot of emphasis on the beer. Most of our pubs have between six and seven cask-conditioned beers on offer at all times.

"Another popular aspect is that between a quarter and a third of our pubs are no smoking areas."

He added: "Bolton is definitely a centre we want to get into. We are aware of what has happened with the other application at the site. All we can do is explain our situation and see what happens."

The JD Wetherspoon pub chain has been operating since 1979 and there are currently 175 premises operating.

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