Regulars devastated by estate pub closure plan

The pub's customers helped veteran Terry Duker find somewhere to live

A popular pub on an estate which has served the community for about 60 years is under threat of closure after plans emerged to convert it into a children’s nursery.

The Cotton Tree Hotel has been serving punters in the School Hill area of Bolton since the mid-1960s.

It is the subject of a planning application lodged last week from The Nest Therapy Ltd to convert the pub building into a children’s nursery with a perimeter fence.

Regulars of the Prince Street pub have described it as a a lifeline.

The building, just north of Bolton town centre, is still a going concern, but has been marketed in recent months by its owners on property websites for about £295,000.

Army veteran Terry Duker, 53, who served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, told the BBC he found solace in the pub's community spirit during times when he suffered flashbacks from his military service.

Regular Angela Owens says The Cotton Tree is a safe place

Mr Duker said pub regulars helped him with his battle against post traumatic stress disorder.

"It's a safe place - I can keel over and in a flash, but people look after me," he said.

"They helped me to get me own place, people supported me with every bit of furniture."

Another regular Angela Owens, 50, said: "Everyone is friendly - you feel safe.

"When my stepfather died people were amazing they even put a plaque up."

The pub has served the community for nearly 60 years

Planners at Bolton Council will decide on the change of use planning application at a date to be decided, The Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The pub's owner has yet to respond to a BBC request for an interview.