WORKERS are being laid off at Roddlesworth visitor centre -- to fund the construction of a cafe on site.

United Utilities, which owns the Tockholes facility, said it was taking the action to fulfil customers' wishes for dining facilities.

The three part-time members of staff are negotiating with management about whether to take redundancy, accept a position elsewhere in the company or even take on the new cafe licence themselves.

An additional building may have to be built to create the cafe, but United Utilities bosses are unable to release the time scale or cost of the project.

Coun Colin Rigby, who covers North Turton and Tockholes, said: "I would be less than happy about people losing their jobs because whatever you think it's always a tragedy to that person.

"I regret the loss of jobs, but hope the cafe is a success and attracts visits into the area -- we need them.

"It is already a very popular centre. Cafes are a tried and tested road and there is a definite need for one. There is a pub close to the centre, but there was some uncertainty about its future as it was up for sale, so United Utilities may have thought there is an opportunity there."

The visitor centre is open part-time during the week to provide guides and information to walkers who regularly trek on the nearby land, most of which is owned by United Utilities.

A United Utilities spokesman said: "We are extending the service there because people have asked for it. Three part-time workers will be affected by this.

"We are in negotiation with them at the moment. They can take voluntary redundancy, possible redeployment in the company, or even the new licence for the cafe.

"We will give them training. Three part-time staff is the equivalent of one job. The cafe may be a separate building, we are looking into that."

The United Utilities spokesman said the staff changes would not alter the opening hours at the centre.