BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly today welcomed a decision which bunkered a controversial golf course plan.

As reported in last night's BEN, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott turned down an appeal to build the 18-hole course at Rumworth Lodge.

Labour MP Ms Kelly said she believed it could have been "the thin end of the wedge" if it had been given the go ahead.

She said opponents thought that further development could have followed if it was allowed.

Campaigners feared that it could have allowed developers to sell off the Deane golf course at Ladybridge for housing.

Ms Kelly said that the decision was "excellent news".

She added: "This is a well-earned victory for all those who have campaigned hard against these plans.

"Only the other week during one of my surgeries, I heard how local people were concerned that this golf course only represented the thin end of the wedge and that if it was allowed to go ahead, further development would follow. Rumworth Lodge is an area of outstanding beauty and is host to a wide variety of wildlife.

"I am pleased to hear that this will be allowed to continue in its present form and free from development.

"Bolton Council was right to fight this proposal and John Prescott agreed with their argument that this proposal would be intrusive and detract from both the character and appearance of Rumworth Lodge.

"The Government also felt that if this golf course was allowed to go ahead, there was a risk to the local bird population."

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