POLICE are trying to block a £5.5 million continental style bar development planned for the centre of Bolton.

They have asked magistrates to refuse liquor licences vital to a multi-million pound project which would transform Nelson Square.

Developers Catchco Properties Ltd have already won council planning permission to turn a row of derelict shops and a car park opposite the Pack Horse Hotel into three bars and a restaurant.

But police objected to the scheme, which will create 200 jobs, when three pub chains applied for alcohol licences.

Cathco believe the police are trying to halt the scheme because they do not want any more pubs in Bolton. The matter is expected to go to court next week.

The developers will claim their scheme is different to the traditional pub scene because it has "a continental feel" and will cater for shoppers, families and an older age group.

And they will claim surveys carried out by their backers show that demand for such facilities in Bolton is among the greatest in the country.

Managing director Nathan Kemplin said: "We do not understand why they are fighting such an excellent scheme and putting it in jeopardy.

"We are investing money in a derelict site, creating over 200 jobs and offering the people of Bolton an exclusive venue. "There may be plenty of pubs in the town centre but not of this type and surveys have been carried which show demand for such venues is excellent."

Developers originally planned only two pubs and office accommodation for the site but said they decided to drop the commercial side after surveys showed huge unmet demand for continental style bars .

The three companies hoping to move into Nelson Square are JD Whetherspoon, owners of the popular Moon Under the Water on Deansgate, Manchester; First Leisure who want to open a late night, live music bar; and Regent Inns, a traditional pub operator.

Cathco say several major chains have shown an interest in taking over the restaurant site.

If the magistrates give the go-ahead to the scheme when the licensing justices meet, builders should be on site by November and the development should be complete by the summer.

A police spokesman confirmed they had objected to the application for a liquor licence but said the police did not want comment further before the court hearing.

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