AN upcoming bar’s claim it will bring life back to a town “on the brink of being deserted” has been labelled “insulting” and “a load of rubbish”.

An application to open the new bar in Albion Street, Cleckheaton, was recently given the green light by Kirklees Council.

It is to be based in the former Peppermint Pig shop in the town centre, and it’s owners Nicola and Damien Warren said in the plans: “In a town that is on the brink of being deserted, it would be a really positive move to bring some life back to Cleckheaton with a high end establishment."

They said the new bar will “create a relaxed social meeting place, offering a quality selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a cold food menu, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced products including gin, confectionery, charcuterie, cheeses pickles and beers.”

Aimed at people aged 25 and over, the Warrens said they will serve “only quality alcoholic beverages at prices that seek to avoid excessive consumption”, and employ door staff to enforce a “strict entry policy” and “zero tolerance for drunken behaviour”.

It will create 13 new jobs in the town, three full-time and ten part-time.

Councillor Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said she would always support investment in the town but the claim Cleckheaton is on the brink of being deserted is an “insult to the town”.

She said: “What a load of rubbish, it’s simply not true.

“We have lots of thriving, independent businesses run by and supported by local people and to say that is insulting to other businesses in Cleckheaton.

“George’s Bistro in the town has had huge investment and is a very fashionable place to go, and other businesses are the same.

“We have a range of businesses in the town in different price ranges to cater for everyone.

“We always support investment in the town, and in these times if it creates jobs and brings money into the town that’s a good thing.

“I do think we have to be mindful however that we keep a good mix of businesses in the town because if the offer narrows, some people will stop coming into the town.”

The bar – which will have seating indoors for around 50 people – is being opened by Nicola and Damien Warren, who run wedding venues in Leeds and Holmfirth and also have another bar in Mirfield.