AN ambitious scheme which could create up to 300 jobs could be withdrawn if councillors give the go-ahead to a large shopping scheme at Bolton Wanderers' old Burnden Park site.

Widnes-based developers Morbaine Limited are seeking planning permission to build a 5,035 sq metre food store at Bolton Road and Old Hall Street, Farnworth.

But they are saying that if the Burnden plan is approved, they will find it difficult to find a retailer.

Barris Liptrott, Morbaine's planning consultant, said: "If permission is granted for our proposal, major environmental improvements will take place in the area apart from the creation of new local jobs."

He said Bolton Council had received European money to revamp Farnworth town centre and road improvements at the junction of Bolton Road and Longcauseway.

"But our plans include more ambitious road improvements than those planned by the council," he said.

"If we get the go-ahead we will pay for the road improvements, releasing the money the council would have spent for use elsewhere."

According to Mr Liptrott, the development would also lead to the removal of three unsightly scrapyards - one on the proposed site and at Bents Lane and Buckley Lane - and two 24 hour haulage depots will be relocated to the benefit of local residents.

Extensive road improvements are an integral part of the scheme, with several new bus lay-bys being created to give good public transport access.

Footpaths will be improved, and cycle lanes and more than 400 car parking spaces will be provided.

But Mr Liptrott said: "If the Burnden Park scheme gets the go-ahead, it will be difficult for us to find a retailer."

Councillors meet on Thursday to make a decision on Bolton Wanderers' plan to demolish Burnden Park and build a supermarket.

They will also be looking at three proposed shopping schemes, including Tesco's bid to build a huge supermarket next to the Reebok Stadium in Horwich, a shopping scheme on a site between Trinity Street and Crook Street, and a shopping and restaurant development on the former Bolton greyhound track in Manchester Road.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.