DARWEN MP Jake Berry has submitted a petition in an effort to avoid Bailey’s Field being developed.

The Protect Bailey’s Field petition, signed by 621, calls on the borough council to reverse its decision to earmark the field as a potential site for 500 houses.

Mr Berry said: “I have been overwhelmed by the support for the petition and thanks must go to all the local people who helped spread the word. Everyone knows it is barmy to even think about building houses on Bailey’s Field.”

Last week, Darwen councillor Dave Smith accused Mr Berry of misleading constituents over the plans. He said the area had been part of the Local Plan for development on greenfield sites since 1995, and if it was removed now, another site would have to be found.

He added that the field was very unlikely to ever be built on.