RESIDENTS worried their streets were being used as a rat run are celebrating after councillors told a firm it could not extend its operating hours.

Recycling and skip hire firm J Dickinson and Sons, based at Rivington View Business Park, Station Road, Blackrod, wanted vehicles to operate in one of its units, from 6am, seven days a week.

But Eileen Jackson, chairman of The Crown Station Area Residents' Association made a plea to the council to turn down an application.

And although planning officers recommended the application for approval subject to conditions, councillors said they could not pass the plan.

Residents living in Crown Lane and Station Road say they are sick of heavy goods vehicles using the route as a short cut from Chorley New Road to the A6 Blackrod By-Pass. They are also concerned about the noise and dust emissions from the site. Speaking to council, Mrs Jackson of Station Road, Horwich, said: "There are houses within 50 metres of this development and any operations before 7am would disrupt the quality of life for those who live adjacent to the site.

"Weekend working would be totally unacceptable and an infringement to the human rights of all the people in the area."

J Dickinson and Sons were unavailable for comment. The firm will be allowed to continue operating from 7am Monday to Saturday.