Plans for a new JD Wetherspoon pub in Heswall could take a big step forward this week.

The pub chain has planning permission to create a new bar at 1-5 The Mount, on the site of the former Exchange, but still needs an alcohol licence.

Wirral Council's Licensing Panel will meet at New Brighton's Floral Pavilion at 2pm on Friday to decide whether or not to award the licence.

JD Wetherspoon had requested late night opening hours, but faced strong local opposition.

Originally, the pub chain wanted to open in Heswall from 8am-1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and from 8am until 00.30am during the rest of the week.

The Heswall Society opposed this plan.

Speaking in January, its planning officer Roger Lane said: "There are many residential properties very close by, and we believe from a protracted history of noise issues that this would affect them quite badly."

Posting on the Facebook community group for Heswall and surrounding areas of Pensby, Irby and Thingwall, some agreed with the Heswall Society.

One person said: "I hope your objection is accepted and if there is anything for us residents to sign to join you please link it!"

However, others disagreed, one member of the group said: "Wetherspoons will be investing money and creating much needed jobs as we come out of a pandemic and doubtless enter a severe recession. That building is an eyesore."

Ultimately, JD Wetherspoon decided to decrease its hours and Friday's meeting will hear the company's request to open the pub from 9am until 11.30pm, with alcohol to be served until 11pm.

The new 'Spoons' would be bigger than the old bar with a larger beer garden at the front.

JD Wetherspoon insisted it will also mean a £2.2m investment in the area with 50 full and part-time jobs created.