By Sara Oliver

LUTON-BASED Luminar Leisure's bid to turn an old hall behind Silver Street into a late-night entertainment centre for the over-20s just needs the backing of west Wiltshire planners to go ahead.

Last week district councillors wholeheartedly backed the cafe scheme when they granted it a licence to operate.

The support came after they heard from Trowbridge police's Inspector Fraser Howorth, who said he no longer had any objections to the late licence.

He said: "I am satisfied the company has a proven record and that Chicago Rock will fill a gap in Trowbridge's entertainment portfolio.

"The greater age mix of people in town the less likelihood you have to spark off nuisance.

"My fear was that Chicago Rock would change into something else and we would end up with another disco."

Last Thursday's central area committee was told that Luminar Leisure currently has 50 Chicago Rock Cafes, including premises in Stratford, Truro and Windsor and is opening one in Salisbury.

A company spokesman said: "It is a unique restaurant and bar concept. It will be covered by 20 cameras including three outside. Families are very much what we do and we do encourage children.

"The market that we aim for is the 25 to 45 age group. We believe these people work in the towns but are put off returning to them in the evening by the youth culture, what we call the boom boom culture."

Cllr Mary Stacey said: "This is just what Trowbridge wants, something for the older age range. It will enhance the life of the town."

Now the council is urging the company to put in its planning application to convert the listed building, behind Mackays store.

Cllr Jeff Osborn said: "We are keen to see the planning application sooner rather than later."