RESIDENTS of Heaviley Grove, Horwich, have launched a campaign to keep council planners off their gardens.

They have created a haven by transforming an area of land opposite their homes into beautiful gardens and a grassed play area for children.

The land is owned by Bolton Council who have allowed them to rent it for more than 30 years. But now it is being considered for possible development.

To help their campaign, the residents have produced colourful wildlife posters which are being displayed all over town.

The posters also appeal to townspeople to write to Bolton planning department.

Liberal Democrat councillor and election candidate Barbara Ronson is backing the residents and has congratulated them for their "highly imaginative" campaign.

"I have been impressed by the efforts of the residents, " said Cllr Mrs Ronson. "The beautifully-designed posters reflect the effort which has gone into making Heaviley Grove a haven for people as well as the birds and animals."

Apart from providing enjoyment for the residents, the gardens also gave pleasure to those who used the path which passes behind houses in Lever Park Avenue, she said.

Cllr Ronson was also concerned about the contradictory information from the planning department about whether one or two houses are proposed.

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