BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly has backed the campaign to stop a 1,100 home "super estate" being built at Westhoughton.

She has added her name to a petition which has been set up to protest about the scheme for a huge development at Lee Hall, between Chequerbent roundabout and Daisy Hill.

Labour MP Ms Kelly said: "There are three very good reasons why I believe this development should be refused.

"First and foremost, I feel that the concerns of local residents about increased traffic should be listened to.

"Recent responses to my constituency survey from residents living in Westhoughton show that there are real concerns about the level of traffic. "It is clear that local people do not believe that sufficient proposals have been put in place by developers to reduce traffic especially on the Chequerbent roundabout.

"Secondly, we should be looking to protect the green fields and wildlife behind Park Road for local people to enjoy.

"A final reason that I feel rules out this application is that the existing unitary development plan is currently under consultation and proposals for change are not due to be published until the summer of 1999.

"Therefore, it makes sense that this development should not go ahead as we simply do not know what areas are earmarked for development in the future."

Ms Kelly has already met with council planning officers to discuss the proposals.

Local councillors David Chadwick and Eric Hyland have circulated posters opposing the development to houses along Park Road, which the development would be behind.

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