TELEVISION star Fred Dibnah has caused councillors to work up steam ... and label his garden an "eyesore." But a fuming Fred today hit back claiming he has been "victimised" by Bolton Council and called them "a lily-livered lot". "I am the only person in this town who is doing anything to save our industrial heritage and the council is jealous, it is as simple as that." Steeplejack and steam enthusiast Fred has applied to Bolton Council for planning permission to build a replica pit head at his Radcliffe Road home.

He also wants planning permission to keep the pithead wheel already there and to increase the height of a small chimney.

Planning councillors yesterday put off making a decision until they have had a look at his garden.

Labour Cllr Mrs Prentice Howarth hit out at a council meeting: "I don't care if it is Fred Dibnah, this garden is an absolute eyesore and as the ward councillor, I have been inundated with complaints."

But Fred was livid at her comments.

"What the bloody hell do these people know about planning ? They've allowed Bolton Wanderers to build a plush stadium next to what will be one of the biggest tips in Europe - do you call that planning?

"I have a visitors' book with 400 signatures of people from all over the world telling me how wonderful my garden is. I sent in a petition with 100 signatures from people supporting the application. "What has this council ever done for our heritage? They keep going on about Smithills Hall and Hall i'th' Wood when all they have done is put a new roof on.

"They even still have the same butterflies in the museum that were there when I was 12 years old.

"They are a lily-livered lot who haven't yet had the guts to come and talk to me face to face. Now they are coming round, I will be delighted to tell them just what I think."

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