A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save five picturesque lodges near Bolton threatened by a £1.5 million property package.

Ainsworth residents fear that the beauty spots and their wildlife could soon be lost after the land was put up for sale.

They are worried the lodges could be drained to make them easier to sell after their former owner, Elton Cop Dyeing, collapsed in January with 80 job losses.

But the newly-formed Friends of Cockey Moor and Whitehead Lodges have pledged to fight any proposals which could damage the reservoirs' wildlife.

Residents are now being urged to back the battle by attending a public meeting next month.

Up to 5,000 people who live close to the lodges have been sent leaflets warning of a possible threat to the future of the lodges.

Campaign leader Elaine Shirt, the chairman of Bury Environment Forum's Urban Issues Group, said the reservoirs had provided 30,000 gallons of water an hour to meet day-to-day production needs at Walshaw Road-based Elton Cop Dyeing.

But now she said she was worried that they could be drained to attract potential developers.

Mrs Shirt, of Waddington Close, Lowercroft, said: "When we heard the lodges were being sold off, we got very worried. If they are sold as open space, who is to say they might not be drained?"

She said the area, within the Cockey Moor green belt, was a haven for wildlife including herons and kingfishers. She added: "Ideally, what we would really like is for these lodges to be managed as a local nature reserve."

In a letter to residents, she wrote: "This is your chance to protect your lodges and surrounding countryside from being developed upon.

"Although this land is designated as green belt, external influences may dictate its future land use.

"For example, the drainage of the lodges does not require planning permission and would therefore attract prospective developers."

The group has enlisted the support of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Bury Environmental Forum and Bury's wildlife officer in its efforts to preserve the lodges in their present condition.

A public meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, September 2 at Bolton Road Sports Club to discuss the threat.

Mr David Newall of property company CVA Grimley, which is handling the sale of the site, said he could not speculate on what would happen to the lodges if they were bought.

He added: "It depends on whoever takes over what they want to do with them." AT RISK: A group has been set up to protect the lodges