A DEFIANT six-year-old schoolgirl preparing to fight developers over plans to move a war memorial is seeking help - from the Prime Minister.

Alicia Warburton of Dunscar Fold has written to Tony Blair asking him to intervene to stop Dunscar War Memorial being moved from its home of 85 years.

Alicia made the plea as a campaign against plans to build 11 luxury homes and an apartment block near the site gathered pace.

The scheme would see the memorial - which features the name of her 'Uncle' George Warburton among a list of 150 soldiers who gave their lives in both world wars - moved 50 yards to the south.

Walmsley Primary School pupil Alicia said: "I was really upset when I heard they wanted to move it because there is somebody on there who is really special to me.

"I believe Tony Blair is a nice man who will help to stop this awful thing from happening."

In the letter, Alicia writes: "The men who fought for their country have been dead for years so please don't let them move it. It is also where the horses and rabbits live."

Although there is no evidence that her family is related to George who gave his life in the First World War, they believe he could be a close relative.

Alicia's 39-year-old dad Chris, a director of the Farnworth-based Pro Plas plastic firm, said: "She feels really strongly about this plan and wrote the letter without telling me or her mum Julie what she was doing."

Campaigners are raising a petition opposing developer Stephen Fitton's planning application for the development on land he owns behind Blackburn Road.

Mr Fitton, who also lives on Dunscar Fold, wants to move the war memorial as part of a road restructuring scheme to improve access to the site.

In today's market the 11 detached homes could fetch around £450,000 each. Bolton North-east MP David Crausby has urged the council to take a stand against the controversial plans.

D-Day veteran Cecil Rogers, aged 85, called on residents to write to the planning committee to oppose the project.

Mr Rogers, of Windsor Road, Bromley Cross, said: "It is an insult to our fallen heroes and every resident should join us to stop it happening."

A meeting called by the three local Conservative councillors will be held at Walmsley Parish Church on Thursday, July 22 at 7pm to discuss the issue.

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