A NEW micropub will open in Bromley Cross after plans were given the green light.

Bolton Council has given best friends James Martin and Craig Egan the go-ahead to convert a former florists at the shopping parade in Darwen Road to offer beer fans a ‘boutique experience’.

The pair, from Astley Bridge, both have experience of working at the award-winning Bank Top Brewery and are hoping to showcase the best of local ales at the new site.

When news of the plans broke on social media earlier this summer, the friends, from Astley Bridge, were overwhelmed by the positive response they received from the Bromley Cross community.

Mr Egan said: “We are so excited and we can’t wait to get going.

“We want to have things up and running as soon as possible. We would like to be open by November, but I’m not sure that is going to be realistic.

“The response we had from the public was absolutely fantastic and we really want to thank everyone who has supported us so far.

“We hope that do them proud and bring something great to the community for a long time.”

Town hall officials have praised the plans to bring the former florists back into use.

The council’s planning office said: “The proposal would bring a vacant unit back into active use thus improving the overall appearance of the site and wider area providing additional activity in the local area.”

Similar micropubs — Bunbury’s in Chorley Old Road and Tap and Cork in Horwich — have proved popular with drinkers since opening.