CAMPAIGNERS have been told they can legally challenge a decision to convert a pub into a training centre for ex-offenders.

In April Adullam Homes Housing Association was given planning permission to change the use of the Masons Arms in Walmersley Old Road, Walmersley.

The pub landlord is retiring and Adullam wants to use the building as a training facility so people leaving prison can get help with housing, job seeking, education and claiming benefits.

But residents living near the pub claim Bury Council did not make crucial documents about the plans known until four days before the public consultation period ended.

They claim that makes the council's planning committee decision invalid and now their request for a judicial review has been granted by the Administrative Court.

Neighbours formed the Walmersley Action Group to fight the plans and held three public meetings attended by more than 100 people.

Group spokesman said: "We are pleased that we have been successful in relation to the initial court rulings."

The court did not accept Bury Council's assertion that the protestors had missed a deadline for requesting a judicial review.

"The judge commented in her written judgment that the council could have better spent its time preparing its response rather than taking 'unmeritorious technical points'," said the spokesman.

"As a result, the council was ordered to pay our costs."

A council spokesman said the authority still considers that it dealt with the planning planning application "appropriately."

He added: "But that decision is now the subject of judicial review proceedings.

"Therefore, in view of this, the council has no comment to make at this time."

The Walmersley Action Group spokesman added: "The council is still stating its intention to defend the case, which means there is a long way to go.

"We need to keep up the fundraising to ensure that we can see this to the end."