RESIDENTS on an estate in Westhoughton have vowed to fight plans to build 95 new homes in the area.

They say the proposed properties would cause chaos on roads which are not built to cater for such a high volume of traffic.

The residents, on the Collingwood estate, fear for the safety of their children.

One of the householders, Mr Michael Bailey, said: "I am concerned about the danger this development poses to the children."

Another resident Mr Barry Jones said he feared the development would cause further problems for the town of Westhoughton.

He said: "I don't think Westhoughton can take any more building using the present access routes. The roads are already extremely busy during rush hour and to build more houses will only exacerbate the problem." Bolton councillor Kevan Jones, who represents Westhoughton, has received more than 40 letters opposing the scheme.

He asked Bolton West Labour spokesman Ruth Kelly for help. He said: "I am fighting on behalf of the residents to bring about a halt to any further development.

"The dangers to health and safety, should these plans go ahead, are clear. The last thing we need on this estate is a rat run.

"I have received this petition which I am handing to Ruth. I am hoping she will be able to help us persuade the planning department to turn this proposal down."

Ruth Kelly told the BEN: "It is vital that Bolton Council listens to the residents. They are understandably concerned about the dangers posed by any increase in the levels of traffic on the estate. "Priority needs to be given to the regeneration of Westhoughton town centre. The present infrastructures are just not designed to cope with more houses and increased traffic."

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