LANDOWNERS say they have rebuffed offers from developers for one of Westhoughton's last homes sites.

Builders have been eyeing Bolton Road Mill for the last two years, hoping to prise it away from the firms who occupy it.

But two landowners say they have snubbed offers for the land and insist they are staying put.

Tenants who rent space in the mill feared they could be forced out of business after rumours circulated that the mill was about to make way for more housing.

They were alerted to the threat when workmen were seen surveying the site and taking soil samples.

David Smith, of A and D Joinery, who own part of the land, said he had been approached by developers keen to snap up the site.

He said: "We are staying put. We've been approached by a developer and we have told them categorically that it is not for sale. We bought the site in 1987 and have no intention of selling it.

"We believe there have been negotiations between the owner of the mill and a developer and understandably some of the firms are anxious."

A spokesman for mill owners Vergward refused to divulge the details of any offers made to him but said: "Selling the mill for homes is of absolutely no interest to me. The developers can't afford to buy this land because it's too valuable as a commercial property. These rumours have been circulating for two years and I want to put them to bed.

"I'm not in discussions with any builders .

Developers are keen to exploit the status of the land, which is believed to have room for more than 100 homes.

Government targets which say local authorities must aim to build 80 per cent of new homes on previously developed land would make it hard for councillors to reject plans within reason.

Pravin Patel, managing director of coach builders Coway, said: "We're all still concerned because it's a case of where we would go to find new premises. We've been here for seven years and in that time built up the firm from one member of staff to 22."