A BOLTON town centre hospitality hotspot is set to be closed to traffic for four days a week to give premises more space to serve customers outside.

Nelson Square, home to a number of popular venues, is due to be blocked off to vehicles from Thursdays to Sundays so businesses can make the most of their outdoor space with the use of pavement licences.

Bolton Council introduced the idea of pavement licences back in July 2020 when the hospitality industry was allowed to reopen following the first coronavirus lockdown.

At that point Churchgate was shut off to traffic from Fridays to Sundays to allow room for premises to serve.

But that is set to be changed as bars and venues will be able to use the area of pavement outside their establishments but Churchgate will remain open to vehicles on all days.

The alteration has been made after considering feedback about the original arrangement.

As well as receiving applications for pavement licences in the town centre, the local authority has been sent requests from venues in other parts of the borough.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “Following on from the announcement of the pavement café licences back in July last year we originally closed Churchgate Friday – Sunday to support the hospitality sectors in this part of the town centre.

“We’ve monitored the feedback and usage of pavements during that time and have revised the plans.

"Individual bars and venues will be able to use the section of pavement outside their premises but Churchgate will remain open for traffic.

“Elsewhere it’s planned that Nelson Square will be closed to traffic Thursday to Sundays when we move into Step 3 to allow outdoor space to be used, and we have had applications from other venues around the borough.”

The changes are set to arrive following the reopening of pubs, restaurants and cafes in Bolton and across the country on Monday in the latest stage of the easing of the restrictions.