A ROW has broken out over plans to open a sex shop in the centre of Farnworth -- next to a proposed children's nursery.

The shop is being earmarked for Market Street and the application is set to go before Bolton Council's licensing committee on September 7.

But another company is hoping to launch a children's nursery next door to the planned store -- and has vowed to fight against the adult shop.

Builder Riley and Wood is applying for planning permission for a nursery in Market Street, within the former social security offices.

But there are fears the proposals could hit a stumbling block now that John Nolan and Alan Brook plan to open the sex shop at the former bridal shop Because I Love You, which has moved.

Riley and Wood has attacked the plan, saying that a children's day centre next to a sex shop would be inappropriate.

Bev Burns, a spokesman for Riley and Wood, said: "There's no way planners will want to open a day care nursery next door to a sex shop. It's totally unsuitable.

"Parents would be understandably cautious about sending their children to the nursery."

If approved, the nursery will be open between 8am and 6pm and employ eight members of staff.

The company says it already has two interested parties in running the day centre.

Farnworth councillor Noel Spencer said: "This sort of clash certainly doesn't seem desirable.

"Nobody should prejudge an application before it goes through the proper process but, on this evidence, it is not appropriate.

"We are not looking to entice these types of shop into Farnworth anyway. They look tacky and are not the sort of environment for children to be around."

Riley and Wood owns 14 properties in Market Street, including late-opening nightspot Club Rac, Nails and Cocktails, the Because I Love You site and furniture shop Second To None.

Ms Burns added: "There is a real need for childcare in Farnworth at the moment. Nurseries are being bombarded with children and centres are in short supply."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "The application for a sex shop will come before the licensing committee on September 7.

"But because the objection period runs out only the day before, the hearing could be deferred to give interested parties the chance to attend the meeting."

Mr Nolan and Mr Brook applied for the licence on August 10.

They declined to comment about their proposals.