PROTESTERS are battling to save an historic barn and its adjoining cottage in Isherwood Fold, Edgworth, which is facing the threat of the bulldozer.

Plans to demolish the development to make way for a modern new home with a detached garage are to be considered by council chiefs in Turton and Blackburn.

But protesters -- who have written "Save Me" on the barn in bright red paint -- fear that any new development would be three storeys high.

They claim it would be out of character with the area's history and heritage. The barn, believed to date back to the 1700s, is one of three in Isherwood Fold.

Two have already been developed -- but not demolished.

Campaigners say that the barn may have been the venue for one of the first ever meetings of the Edgworth branch of the Quakers in 1763.

The application was discussed at North Turton Parish Council's monthly meeting last night. A final decision on its fate will be made at the next full planning meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Cllr Dave Smith, vice-chairman of North Turton Parish Council, said the Fold was one of the oldest in Lancashire.

"All the councillors are concerned and do not want it to be demolished," he said.

The parish council do not have the power to reject the plans fully -- only to voice their recommendations.

The barn and cottage are being sold by their local owner in whose family they have been held for centuries.

A local campaigner said: "There have been plenty of letters of objection lodged and we hope they will listen to us. It is going to be developed -- that is inevitable. We just do not want to see it demolished."

The developers were unavailable for comment.