THE Civic Trust is backing Bromley Cross residents in their fight to stop a former clinic being turned into a restaurant.

A planning application has been submitted to Bolton Council by Bolton restaurateur Sabir Khan for permission to convert the former Bromley Cross Clinic on Chapeltown Road into an eating establishment.

The building is next to Turton High School and the school, local residents and councillors are objecting to the scheme, described by one councillor as an "environmental disaster".

But Mr Khan, who already runs the successful Amir restaurant in Ladybridge, says local people are worrying unnecessarily and have a "totally wrong impression that it is the biggest threat to civilisation since Genghis Khan - no relation." He added: "My aim is to set up a first class restaurant where locals can go with friends and family to enjoy good food in congenial surroundings. A convenient and friendly place which complements the area, will add to the quality of life of the community and, I hope in time, will be seen as a local asset."

Mr Khan said that once detailed plans have been drawn up he would be happy to discuss them with local councillors and would welcome the views of local residents. But already Turton Civic Trust - part of Bolton and District Civic Trust - has supported the objectors by writing to Bolton Council planners objecting to the scheme.

"It is ironic to see Bolton education department releasing the buildings for a commercial restaurant when Turton High School, whose area surrounds the old clinic on three sides, is constantly in need of additional facilities and space," said Jean Gerrard, secretary of Turton Civic Trust.

"We deplore the possibility that approval will sterilise a 0.74 acre site that would be better used for education in the future."

The Trust is also concerned about the volume of traffic the restaurant would create around the school entrance on Chapeltown Road.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.