A PETITION opposing the planned UKIP national party conference being held in Bolton has passed the 700-name mark.

Bolton activist and Wanderers fan Ryan Quick launched the petition after it was revealed that UKIP will hold its national spring conference at the Macron Stadium in Horwich.

The e-petition has now gathered 707 signatures.

Mr Quick, who works in Sainsburys, said: “Much of the divisive rhetoric UKIP employ is aimed at immigrants and we believe any support from the established brands of the town laughs in the face of our citizens, many of whom are themselves immigrants.”