LAND between Nelson and Colne is a step closer to becoming a nature reserve.

People living around Gib Hill begged Nelson councillors to protect the area after it was put in a plan for how Pendle should be developed over the next 15 years.

Gib Hill has been 'safeguarded' for development, which means councillors could fall back on it if more housing was needed.

But Colne campaign group Get Knotted and Nelson's Residents Against Gib Hill Exploitation demanded to have the land preserved as a nature reserve.

Resident Andrew Ashworth said: "Why does Gib Hill have to be safeguarded for housing? The council already owns the land so are fully in control of development on the site.

"There are wild deer, owls and bats - the list could go on - close to a large urban area and completely open to the public. Replace this unnecessary classification and preserve it for nature and children in the future."

Liberal Democrat councillors argued the land had been bought by the council for housing and there was a planning process for people to go through if a housing scheme was put forward for the site.

But Labour, Conservative and members of Nelson Committee were more sympathetic to residents' views.

Co-opted member Susan Nike said: "I deliver the mail up there every morning and you wouldn't believe the things I see there. It's beautiful, calm and there is all sorts of wildlife."

Conservative councillors Gary Rowland said: "Every time the parties change, the policies change. We've got a chance here for all councillors to get together and turn it into woodland. It has been eight years now, let's get it finished once and for all."

Councillors decided to commission a feasibility study with a view to making Gib Hill a nature reserve.