A WELL-known Italian restaurant has shut down — and could become a children's nursery.

Santino, in Manchester Old Road, Bury, closed in July after finding trading conditions tough and developers now want to convert it into a play centre.

Tiddlywinks, which is based in Higher Blackley, has asked Bury Council to change the use of the building.

A report from the company to the council says: "The restaurant has become unviable as a business and closed.

"Our clients purchased the property with a view to completely renovating the structure to form new classrooms/playrooms, kitchen and offices.

"The regeneration of the building would allow the introduction of the nursery for the infants and children of pre-school age.

"Its location is ideal for both local residents and office workers from nearby Bury, whose children can be guaranteed the finest of care at all times."

It adds: "The proposal is necessary due to the increased number of infants now requiring pre-school teaching and care while parents are at work.

"The number of residents general has increased due to new housing developments in the area."

The nursery would be open from 7am to 7pm and would have a security fence, CCTV cameras to identify visitors and a parking area for visitors and staff.

In February, the restaurant was singled out for praise in the national Best Of awards, when it was awarded Best Italian Restaurant based on the number of positive reviews people had left for it online.

On Tripadvisor, diners called it "the best Italian restaurant by miles" and said the staff were "efficient, polite, courteous and attentive."

A consultation period began on September 12 and nobody has formally objected to the proposal so far.

The council is aiming to reach a decision by November 7.