THE boss of a town centre diner says he will go out of business if plans to build a cafe inside Bolton Town Hall go ahead.

Chris Taylor, aged 60, owns the Tiffany’s on the Square cafe in Victoria Square and has launched a petition against the council’s plans for a new cafe and restaurant as part of the town hall refurbishment.

Mr Taylor said he has been amazed by the support his petition has received — getting more than 1,000 signatures in just two weeks from loyal customers.

He said: “The idea of the council bringing these commercial businesses into the building seems crazy to me.

“As businesses in the town centre, we pay commercial rates to the council which are very expensive and they are now trying to bring in more competition for us.”

He added: “I have certainly been buoyed by the support I have had since starting a petition, I would say 98 per cent of customers have signed it — I think people realise we are a small, independent business trying to survive. This plan will probably put us out of business.

“I think the idea should be to bring more retailers into the town centre rather than more eateries, that will make the area more attractive to shoppers.”

The idea of basing a restaurant and a cafe either side of the town hall steps was first mooted by the council back in February and has received widespread criticism.

Some of the objections stem from people who, like Mr Taylor, believe there is no need for commercial venues within the Grade II listed building.

There has also been dismay at the prospect of cutting into the building’s front facade in order to create outdoor terraces for the two proposed businesses.

Council leader Cliff Morris has since stated that the authority is in the process of creating two alternative proposals for the building, but insists that the town hall must be commercially viable and accessible for use by the people of Bolton.

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