TWO controversial cafe bars are to open at either end of a small market town it was confirmed yesterday.

Businessman, Billy Walton, was yesterday granted planning permission to open a caf bar in Chester-le-Street.

Meanwhile, Luminar Leisure, one of Britain's biggest leisure companies, is to begin work on a rival £1.2m American-style bar in the town in just over two weeks.

The company secured planning consent in February last year to build its Chicago Rock Caf, at the south end of Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

Work is expected to begin on the long-awaited development during the week beginning December 8 and should be completed in late February or early March next year.

The venue, built on the site of a former garage, will play music from the 1950s to the 80s and have a dance floor and restaurant.

Luminar director Steve Dennis, said: "All licences and permissions are in place and we're just about to take possession of the site."

Mr Walton, head of Hunky Dory Leisure, plans to build his bar at the north end of Front Street.

He has also obtained permission for a 1,000 capacity club on the site, but says it is unlikely he will build it, as he already runs the town's Crocodillos nightclub.

The cafe bar will be built on the site of the derelict Queens Hall Bingo.

He said: "We haven't got any times for opening the venue yet, but it will be some time next year."

Both bars have run into some opposition frm residents.

Residents from Union Court, a development for the over-55s, objected to the Chicago Rock Caf, as their flats are only 100 metres away and they feared anti-social behaviour, despite assurances from Mr Dennis that they will not hear any sound from the building.

Initially, Chester-le-Street District Council refused Mr Walton's proposals, as they also thought it would lead to anti-social behaviour.

But the council was advised it would be unlikely to win Mr Walton's appeal against the decision once police dropped their opposition and the planning inspectorate hearing was not contested.

Mr Walton received permission from the planning inspectorate yesterday.