A DEBATE is hotting up over whether a popular bakery should make way for a shop.

Property firm North Hold Group wants to demolish Miles Bakery in Sunny Bank Road, Unsworth, and replace it with a Tesco Express.

Some neighbours claim it would lead to traffic and noise problems, while the bakery, which employs 12 people, would have to move out. A total of 105 people attended a meeting at Sunnybank Primary School last Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Cllr Joan Grimshaw said: “The meeting was very well attended and people spoke about why they think this application would be a big mistake. The bakery owners do not know what they would do if permission was granted. I hope the council takes on board all the objections.”

Before the deadline for submissions, 39 people had written to Bury Council to object to the application, while two people supported it. The council is aiming to reach a decision by March 4. The Bury Times was unable to contact North Hold Group.