A MAN is trying to rally people into fighting a proposed housing development in Farnworth.

Ken Danby of Derwent Road, Highfield, was outraged when he read in the BEN that outline planning permission had been granted for housing on the Back o'th'Dicks site - also known as Pigtail Lodge - in Highfield.

"There is nothing but houses around here," he stormed. "I can't believe they are looking at building more houses in this area and on the only bit of green land we have left."

He added: "There are already too many houses in this area. Why don't the council remove the shutters on some of the homes that are boarded up and put people in there."

Last month councillors gave the go-ahead to develop "affordable housing" on the 9.4 acre site, which includes two football pitches, to the south of Windermere Road.

Potential developers are being allowed the option to extend the site by including the play area at Caldbeck Drive, although if they take this option they will be required to provide a new larger play area within the new estate.

In addition the planning brief states that the developer will have to replace the two football pitches.

But Mr Danby claims the only place a developer could create replacement pitches is at the bottom of Anchor Lane, next to the motorway.

"It's just asking for trouble. Just imagine loads of kids playing next to a motorway. It's suicide," he said.

Harper Green councillor, Margaret Clare, said: "I know that the football pitches are going to have to be moved. But before we do anything there will be full consultation with residents in the area so that they can express their concerns, particularly about the leisure facilities."

The planned development is in the Single Regeneration Budget area which covers parts of Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Hulton.

Over the next six years the area will receive £11.25 million from the Government and is also expected to attract £60 million from the private sector.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.