ANGRY residents are campaigning against plans to build 24 luxury apartments in Astley Bridge.

Scores of people have written letters to Bolton Council raising their objections to the scheme which would, if approved, see the construction of 18 two-bed and six one-bed flats.

The three-storey blocks would be built on land between Stonyhurst Avenue and Sweetloves Lane in an area currently occupied by detached and semi-detached homes.

Some residents believe the apartments would be out of character with the other properties in the area.

There is also concern that the development would lead to an increase in traffic using Stonyhurst Avenue to get onto Blackburn Road.

Residents say the nearby Eagley Mills flats have already put a strain on local roads.

Roy Shipperbottom, of Sweetloves Grove, said: "It appears the developers wish to cram an impossibly large number of dwellings into a relatively small area which is totally out of keeping with the surrounding properties and character of the locality."

Astley Bridge councillor Stuart Lever (Con) has joined residents in opposing the move. Echoing the words of architectural guru Prince Charles, he dubbed it a "hideous carbuncle".

"I'm worried about the extra traffic this scheme will encourage and that the development -- at three storeys high -- is not in keeping with the rest of this leafy suburb."

Resident John Walsh, of Stonyhurst Avenue, Sharples, expressed worries that trees would be removed or pruned.

He said: "We ought to be doing everything to protect our trees for future generations."

The applicant is Engleford Ltd, of Station Approach, Atherton. Nobody from the company was available for comment.

A residents' meeting will take place at The Oaks School, Andrew Lane, Astley Bridge, on Monday, January 27, at 6.45pm.