THE race to protect lodges in Lowercroft from development is a step closer to the winning post.

The Friends of Cockey Moor, Whitehead's and Parker's Lodges group are now urging residents living near to the sites to help with their fundraising so they can buy the lodges from owner Mr Keith Talbot.

Mr Talbot approached the group last October offering to sell each of the three Whitehead's lodges for £25,000 each - a total of £75,000 - after he paid £25,000 for them, along with two Parker's lodges a number of years ago.

He also proposed to the group that he would sell the lodges for £45,000, providing he could retain all fishing rights, but the fishing rights are needed by the group in order to apply for charitable status.

An application submitted in 2004 for car parks on land south of Gisburn Drive and at Old Barn Farm, Ainsworth, was rejected on the grounds that there was inadequate access to the site and that the proposals would infringe a Site Of Biological Importance.

Chairman of the Friends of Cockey Moor, Whitehead's and Parker's Lodges group, Elaine Shirt, said: "We as a group feel it is imperative that the Whitehead's lodges are protected and that all the people who enjoy the area and indeed who live on the periphery of these waters, should make every effort to support us in doing so. The green belt in this area is potentially under threat and green belt status does not offer sufficient protection for developments.

"We would urge interested parties to come forward and support and help us in our cause. We cannot hope to achieve our overall objectives to conserve the lodges and surrounding area without help."

Mr Talbot has confirmed that he intends to sell the lodges to the group for £75,000, and that he will use the money to make improvements to the two lodges he owns at Elton Vale. The group, supported by Coun Bob Bibby and Coun John Byrne, will be applying for charitable status which means they would be eligible for grants and fundraising from various sources.

Residents wishing to join the register of Friends can do so by contacting the group at one of the following addresses: 14 Waddington Close, Lowercroft, Bury; Pilkington Fold Farm, off Starling Road, Radcliffe, or 33 Gisburn Road, Lowercroft, Bury.