PLANS to convert a former pub dating back centuries into a nursery have been welcomed by Bolton Civic Trust.

The former Stags Head pub in Junction Road, which closed in 2011, would be partly-demolished and refurbished if the development goes ahead.

The former pub is listed as a building of “special architectural or historic interest” within the Deane conservation area.

Civic Trust chairman Richard Shirres said the conservation area should benefit from the scheme.

He said: "There seems an over provision of public houses in that area and the street scene would clearly benefit from the former and now derelict Stags Head being refurbished.

"Repurposing the building for nursery provision should be a welcome amenity whilst retaining a substantive form of the former building."

If plans are approved, the original two-storey part of the building would be refurbished.

The town hall is due to decide the outcome of the application next month.