Neighbours living near an old football pitch are campaigning against a proposed emergency power unit being built on the land.

Plans were submitted by Electric Land in April to build the emergency power generator in Slack Lane, Westhoughton.

But people living nearby say this land is important to them as it is still well used for dog walking, children playing and leisure.

Amanda Armstrong started the petition along with others to save the former football pitch.

She said: “That is the last bit of green land that we have left here and it’s just so important to us.

“Many times, in the morning, people spot deer running through the land, so if they put the power unit there then we’ll lose all the wildlife.

“A lot of people use this space and we’ve all been living here for years, it’s well loved.

“There’s nowhere else for people to walk and even kids still play here.”

Power bosses say the proposed battery system would ensure the supply of electricity at the point of demand so there is no waste and developers claim this will help the environment.

If permission is granted, Electric Land say this will provide emergency electricity for the National Grid in times of high demand or when renewable energy projects are unable to fulfil demand.

It will be constructed in two phases over a 12-month period, if approved.

The proposed site will include an amenity cabin, a switch room, a substation and a fire hydrant.

But Mark Bailes, another resident, said: “I go fishing here quite a bit and I love it.

“There’s a group of us and the pond has fish in it, so we don’t want to lose that.

“As long as they don’t touch the pond, because it’s our place to go and fish.

“The wildlife is important to us, and the community really loves this land, there’s nowhere else close by to go to.”

Residents will have the opportunity to give their views on the proposed site via a consultation open to people living nearby on Manchester Road, Glazebury Drive, Ingleby Close and Albion Street.

But Amanda said they had not been consulted regarding the plans.

She said: “They say they have told people but who have they told? No one who lives here were told by them.

“We are getting signatures and I’m knocking on doors and speaking to people and they’re all against it being built here, ruining our wildlife habitats and it won’t be pretty to look at either.”

Electric Land have been approached for a comment.