A GIANT racecourse and leisure park is being opposed by residents in Worsley.

Peel Holdings wants to build a year-round racecourse at the heart of a 2,000 acres leisure scheme running next to the M60.

But residents are objecting because they say it will take up green belt land and a car park for 7,000 cars will cause traffic problems.

Ian Lunn, of Kingsway, Worsley, said he and other residents had recently met planning officers to voice their concerns.

"There has been nowhere near enough thought as to the movement of traffic.

"There are no plans to use public transport in the scheme, this flies in the face of government recommendations on the lessening of traffic on our roads."

Proposals include an equestrian centre, a luxury four-star hotel, golf course, club house and driving range, woodland trails, and an eco village.

Councillor Barry Warner, lead member for development services at Salford Council, said: "We can confirm we have received a planning application for a racecourse in the Worsley area.

"The application will be given due consideration but the city council is not expecting to reach a determination for many weeks. We would expect it then to go to a public enquiry."