PLANS to transform a disused Bolton town centre fire station into a social club for union members have moved a step nearer.

The public service union UNISON wants to turn the former Marsden Road station into offices and a social facility.

Councillors have given permission for the borough solicitor to enter into negotiations with the union and developers David A Griffiths and Partnership.

But the council has made it clear that it wants contracts on the refurbishment and lease of the building signed within six months.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.