GOVERNMENT inspectors are to decide whether children who attend an after-school club and playgroup in Westhoughton will have to find a new home.

The officials will either give the green light to allow houses to be built on the site of St Bartholomew's parish hall or decide it should remain for the use of the community.

Staff at the clubs, and parents who rely on taking their children to the groups, have campaigned since April to keep the venue open.

The church has argued that the cost of carrying out essential repairs to the building is too expensive and it must sell the land.

Cath Renton started the after school Kids Club three years ago. It now looks after around 150 children aged from four to 11.

But she fears it may now be too late to save the group. She said: "We have been given an eviction notice to leave at the end of October and as far as we know we will be going then.

"I really think the hall should be for the use of the community and it will be a shame if houses are built there, because we have enough of them in the area."

The Tithe Barn Tots Playgroup, which looks after pre-school children, will also have to try to re-locate if the new homes are given the go-ahead.

Westhoughton Town Council leader, Cllr David Wilkinson, has always opposed the church's plans.

He said he was disappointed a written appeal, rather than an informal public inquiry, was being held.

He added: "People will be asked to send in three copies of their letter of objection, but they won't bother doing it.

"They will sign a petition and write a letter, but they won't want to have to do it again."

He added: "People should have a chance to speak face to face with the inspectors."

All documentation must be sent to the Planning Inspectorate at Bristol by September 20.