A TRAVEL firm did not want to locate its North West headquarters in an area of Bolton town centre because it had a reputation for prostitution, a meeting heard.

Destinology Holidays, which already has a base in Hercules Business Park in Lostock, wants to build a five-storey office at Paragon Business Park in Horwich to expand its operation.

The firm already employs 110 people and the new site could create up to 100 more jobs.

Company bosses had considered a range of locations across Bolton and that a site at River Street had the potential for the development, but it was ruled out because of a "specific social stigma associated with the area".

During a meeting of the planning committee last Thursday, the firm said it chose the site at Horwich because it was close to its current Lostock base and because a number of employees live nearby.

Cllr Nick Peel told the meeting that, according to planning policy, town centre locations should be considered when such applications are made before out of town sites are considered.

He admitted there had been a problem with prostitution in the area in the past but that now it had been eradicated.

Cllr Peel said: "This area of Bolton town centre did have a bit of a reputation a few years ago for on street prostitution.

"That has actually not been an issue in Bolton for some years now since a partnership between the council and the police really cleared that up."

He added: "I really can't accept that statement that there is a specific social stigma attached to River Street that would prevent businesses locating there.

"If businesses do locate into that area of the town centre, by definition their very presence would completely put the nail in the coffin for any perception that may exist for social problems in that area."

The planning committee voted in favour of deferring the application to allow for more discussions between the applicants and the council about possible locations.

Destinology Holidays, an online travel company which was founded in 2004 by Dominic Speakman, has been bought over by over-50s specialists Saga, and needed to relocate as part of its expansion plans.

Tony Whitehead, speaking on behalf of the applicants, told the meeting: "The existing location isn't suitable for expansion, it is limited site. It doesn't offer the same quality of accommodation that is appropriate for this type of development.

"Alternative locations throughout the borough have been considered over the last 12 months by the company, but the application at Paragon Business Park is the preferred location.

"The site is very close to our existing premises and there will be several benefits from the existing employees, a large number of whom are local residents and this is the reason why we wish to stay in the Lostock area."