FARNWORTH could be getting a finger-lickin’ new restaurant if a fast-food giant’s proposals are to the taste of planning chiefs.

KFC has submitted plans for a new diner and drive-thru on the old clinic site at the junction of Albert Road and King Street.

The application, lodged with Bolton Council, says the restaurant would create 20 new full-time and 20 part-time jobs in the town.

It also includes proposals for 14 advertising hoardings set outside the building including a three-metre-high illuminated signs bearing the famous KFC and Colonel Sanders logos.

Cllr Maureen Flitcroft, of Farnworth and Kearsley First, has hailed the popular fast-food firm’s intention to set up shop in Farnworth.

She said: “The news that a worldwide renowned chain like KFC wants to open an outlet in Farnworth is very welcome news.

“ It shows that there are companies out there that can see the potential in our town. We would hope that this move by KFC would give confidence to other companies looking to invest to choose Farnworth, and as such attract more high profile businesses. “

She also said the new jobs the restaurant would bring would be a “huge positive” for Farnworth.

Cllr Jean Gillies, Labour ward councillor for Farnworth, said the restaurant would bring both pros and cons to the area.

And she added that a consultation currently being carried out as part of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Town Centre Challenge had generated responses both for and against more fast-food eateries.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” she said.

“A lot of people have been saying there are far too many takeaways, but some of the requests we have had say they want a McDonalds or a KFC.”

Cllr Gillies said she was not strongly for or against the proposed restaurant, but could see how the presence of KFC could have a knock-on effect in terms of businesses coming to the area.

She said: “If a big business comes in it might attract more big investors and have a knock-on effect.

“I’m happy either way, I’m not opposed to it or 100 per cent for it.”

She said she was not overly concerned with the prospect of anti-social behaviour, as the site was in an open location.

And, like Cllr Flitcroft, she also hailed the jobs the restaurant could bring, both for students looking to work part-time and local people who want to permanent jobs.

But she said litter was a potential issue. “They would have to take their responsibilities seriously,” she said.