A BAR and restaurant is set to be built on land at Moss Bank Park, against the wishes of many nearby families.

Around 20 jobs will be created if the scheme goes ahead in Moss Lane, Bolton.

The four-storey building would be built on the overspill car park, reducing the number of spaces from 97 to 70.

Some residents, however, say the plan is "inappropriate."

A petition is being drawn up against the proposals. Homeowners are also against the felling of 11 mature trees.

Edward Kozaczek, of Barrow Bridge Road, is one of the objectors. He said: "Moss Bank Park is a tremendously popular oasis of nature and greenery throughout the whole year and presents us city dwellers with a much-needed park facility.

"To locate a pub and restaurant in an area that is also residential surely cannot be considered appropriate."

Residents believe car parking at Moss Bank Park is already "insufficient" and that a reduction in the number of spaces, coupled with motorists driving to a new attraction would create problems.

They also think there would be an increase in noise and litter. Ann Berry, of Garwick Road, said: "I don't think this scheme is right for the park. It's a nice part of town, full of birds and squirrels.

"They shouldn't be cutting down trees so they can build a bar and restaurant."

She added: "It would be far better if they developed the park's coffee shop instead. It's a bit run down but more in keeping with what the park is all about."