Plans to double the size of a restaurant were given a cautious welcome by Leigh councillors.

Bosses at Manoly's Thai Restaurant, in Leigh Broadway, are looking to build on to the back of their premises, increasing the restaurant area and building a new flat into the roof.

The extension will provide the eatery with a new kitchen, with the present kitchen transformed into a dining area.

Lib Dem Leigh councillor Peter Wexham said he supported businesses trying to improve but not at the expense of shops in The Broadway.

He said: "We have to be careful. I have no problem with businesses expanding at the back or into their own areas and making themselves viable but I do not want restaurants expanding and doing away with shops which are already there.

"There is a real fear of Leigh being taken over by restaurants and bars and there being no shops left.

"If the shopping goes people will stop going to Leigh during the day and this will have a knock on effect on the cafes which sell tea and coffee during the day, who will lose out.

"Because they have food and drink licenses they will want to be open at night and Leigh could turn into a place which is just somewhere to go to at night, which would be a worry.

"This is something the police don't want either. They have enough trouble with Southend at night without the Broadway going the same way."