FARNWORTH Market Precinct is set to be demolished as part of negotiations for Bolton Council to buy the site.

The site is currently owned by St Modwen but in March the announced that it was planning to buy the precinct in a multi-million pound deal.

St Modwen submitted an application to demolish the entire precinct earlier this month. Notices have been put up around Farnworth telling people that they have until September 26 to send comments to planning control.

Paul Brustad, senior asset manager at St Modwen confirmed that the deal is yet to be finalised but that demolition was part of the negotiation process.

He said: “We have submitted an application to Bolton Council to demolish Farnworth Market Precinct.

"One business will be affected by the demolition, however we are working closely with the owners on the company’s relocation."

"We remain in discussions with the Council over its acquisition of the property. The demolition of the Market Precinct area is part of that discussion.

"We have no current plans to submit development proposals post-demolition."

The business set to be affected by the proposals is Pet Supplies Direct, but owner Nigel Cain is close to finalising a deal to move his shop to Brackley Street.

Leader of Farnworth and Kearsley First and ward councillor for Farnworth, Cllr Paul Sanders said the notice is a step in the right direction.

He added: "This notice to demolish the buildings at the rear of Farnworth old precinct is a clear indication that real actions are now imminent.

"After many years of the powers that be paying lip service to the people of Farnworth and Kearsley, our political pressure is clearly having the positive effects people have been wishing for.

"Farnworth and Kearsley First councillors will continue to champion the vision for the Farnworth Town Centre regeneration as expressed by residents in the comprehensive public consultation earlier this year."