CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow a new three-storey nightclub to be created in Warrington town centre have been put on hold.

Last night councillors decided to postpone a decision on plans to convert the former Co-op printing works, in Barbauld Street, into an entertainment venue, provisionally called The Board.

Opponents claim it would be like letting clubbers "dance on people's graves", given the close proximity of the Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel's churchyard, behind the development.

Between 300 and 400 people would be able to party the night away in four bars at the club, proposed by the giant First Leisure group.

Rival licensees fear it could spell the demise of smaller, independent bars and predict it will result in job losses.

If the blueprints become a reality, they would result in the 10th pub/club being established in the Friars Gate and Barbauld Street area.

Members of the development control committee will meet again in three weeks to resolve the club's fate.