Two councillors are demanding owners Whitbread tone down the bright orange colour scheme of the Taybarn restaurant in Marus Bridge in favour of something more traditional.

The brewing giant caused the row by rebranding its Wheatlea Park premises as a new American-style eat as much as you want buffet – one of half a dozen similar outlets across the UK.

The former brick and wooden panelling pub is also virtually the first building drivers leaving the M6 motorway for Wigan see.
Metro councillors Bill and Gary Wilkes claim it could give first time visitors the "wrong impression."

Coun Wilkes jnr said: "It looks like somewhere Tinky Winky would live."
Whitbread has been told it must apply for retrospective planning permission for the alterations to the cladding, and a single storey extension at the back.
It will be considered at a meeting in October.

Coun Gary Wilkes said he is angry that Whitbread has only applied for planning consent after the external changes have been done.
He said: "This is a very important way into Wigan for thousands of
people.

"If you are coming for the first time you could end up thinking that is what our borough is all about.
"I have been to America and I love the place, but I don't want to see their tastes in buildings here and in such an important location.

"Perhaps it would be appropriate in Teletubby land or even in the States but I will not support a building that appears to have been attacked by the Tango man."

His father, Coun Bill Wilkes is pressing for planning councillors to agree to make a site visit.

A spokesman for the Metro planning committee said: "Whitbread has submitted a retrospective planning application.
"We have consulted with neighbours and are in negotiations with the applicant about the amount of orange.

A spokesman for Taybarns owners Whitbread said: "Wigan local authority has contacted us advising that concerns have been raised in relation to the external colour of Taybarns Wigan. There are a number of Taybarns restaurants across the UK in the brand colour orange; these have been well received prior to the opening of Taybarns Wigan.

"Our planning consultants are working with the authorities to find an acceptable solution for all."