THE boss of a landmark Bolton pub has received a wave of support after objections were raised to changes in the layout of the outdoor area.

The Crofters, Bradshaw Road, is making preparations to safely allow customers back from April 12 and has erected marquees outside which can accommodate around 200 pre-booked drinkers and diners.

The changes will mean part of the car park at the Crofters will be used for customers, with 50 car parking spots remaining available.

An outside bar will also be installed.

Ahead of a Bolton Council licensing panel hearing which will determine whether the changes to the licence can go ahead, objections to the plans have been received from the council’s environmental health team and four nearby residents.

Among the complaints were that there had been incidents of public urination, people having sexual intercourse near the back of the pub and noise levels from music.

Licensee Yogi Mistry, who has run the pub for 10 years, said no objections have been raised from police or fire services and he has had 128 of letters of support for his plans from residents, businesses and charities in Bradshaw.

He said: “The church are happy, the school are happy, I have a letter of support from Bradshaw litter pickers saying there is no issue with broken glass, we don’t even serve drinks in glasses outside.

“The police licensing officer has no issues, if there were issues with disorder or noise they would have objected.

"We’ve spent so much money to provide a Covid safe environment for the safety of my staff and the public.”

In support of the changes Mr Mistry has had dozens of letters of support including from Bradshaw Cricket Club and St Maxentius Church.

Churchwarden Joyce Armstrong wrote ‘on behalf of all at the church we would like to show our support and gratitude to The Crofters’.

Neighbour Meg Warriner, wrote: “The Crofters has been a source of much needed enjoyment in the local community.

“It has organised family events, promoted and helped support local live music and has been a place where people have been able to socialise within legal guidelines.”

Objecting to the changes in licensing one neighbour described his experiences last summer when the bar was open.

He said: “We had people urinating all around the area and bottles and glasses left on any and every flat surface.”

Another complaint, read: “In the past 12 months we have witnessed customers from the pub urinating in the road, gathering in large noisy groups and on one occasion having sexual intercourse.”

In a submission to the licensing panel, a council environmental health officer, said: “The marquee and bar area is 15 metres from the boundary of the garden of the nearest property and there are around 17 properties within 50 metres.

“The marquee and outside space will not provide adequate noise attenuation.

“The capacity of the premises would increase meaning more noise and disturbance from people talking and shouting.”

A decision on changes to the licence will be determined at a date to be confirmed.