And locals are backing a club owner's eatery plans for the former Labour club at Garrett Hall Road.

Transformed two years ago in to a private members club, the building dates back to the boom years of working men's clubs and Co-op stores.

Almost 20 years ago the Labour Club was extended taking over the adjoining Co-op store floor space -- but changing trends saw its demise.

Club owner John Bailey, who a few years ago renovated and re-opened the building as a private members club, believes a switch to a restaurant is the only way he can recover some of the investment he outlaid.

Letters from 27 local residents who support his plans were sent to Wigan Council whose development committee members approved the application.

Supporting his intentions Mr Bailey told planners: "I purchased the property in a very dilapidated state. It had become a haunt for drug abuse and unsavoury characters meeting in dark corners and it was covered with vile graffiti."

Mr Bailey, who with his wife, Irene, runs Granville Properties in Walkden, explained:

"I funded the restoration with my own money and a bank loan. Locals were highly delighted, but over the past two years it has struggled to be the success I thought it would be."

Mr Bailey said the club had been closed for six months and to re-open would cost too much but he feared it could be vandalised.

"I feel and so do locals that restaurant facilities would be a wonderful addition to this area," he said.