RESIDENTS fear that a street could be plunged into darkness when a warehouse is built next to their homes.

Householders in Sandridge Close, Kearsley, are furious about the plans and say they were not consulted by Bolton Council.

And they plan to take the matter to the local Government ombudsman, claiming the 28ft high building will block out any sunlight in a private road which does not have street lighting.

Kimberley and John Ogle, who have two young children, say they will get a maximum of 20 minutes sunlight a day when the building is up.

Mrs Ogle, whose home is 19ft high, said: "This building towers above my property and is only six feet away. All my neighbours were shocked to hear of the plans "We are all expected to live in complete darkness."

Lindsay Howarth, aged 36, who has lived in Sandridge Close for five years, said: "It really should be on an industrial estate rather than in a residential area.

"This is a private street and we don't have any street lighting. If this building goes up, it will be pitch black."

The application to build the store room has been made by Sound and Vision, which has two stores, one in Higher Bridge Street, Farnworth, and one in Mather Street, Kearsley.

The plans were approved by Bolton Council in July, 2000. The applicant, Neil Ball, managing director of Sound and Vision was unavailable for comment.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "The application for an extension to an existing warehouse at 19 Mather Street was received by the council on May 8, 2000, and processed in the usual way.

"Records show that details of the application were sent to several addresses in the vicinity of the proposed development, including Sandridge Close.