ST ANNES campaigners fighting to save part of Ashton Gardens from development are to hold their own residents' referendum on the park's future.

Supporters of Ashton Gardens (SOAG) are planning the unprecedented town-wide poll, asking residents whether or not they support a proposed sale of part of the gardens, which could help secure a lottery bid.

SOAG president, Arnold Sumner, said: "Lord Ashton gave the gardens to the people of St Annes, and we believe they should have their say before any of the land is sold."

SOAG chairman, Fred Moor, added: "You really don't expect a responsible public body to asset-strip the town's heritage like some greedy property speculator, it is a very disappointing approach.

"The council seemed reluctant to have a vote as such, and wanted to lead something they called a consultation. We didn't think that was the right approach, so we are undertaking our own popular referendum. Every home in the St Annes postcodes will receive a leaflet and voting paper during the next week, and we are asking people to check so they don't lose the chance to vote."

SOAG said a revamp of the buildings, paths, and walls would cost up to £2 million, with the national Heritage Lottery Fund potentially supplying 75 per cent of that. But SOAG says it doesn't agree with the possibility of the council raising the remaining £500,000 through sale of part of the gardens.

Arnold Sumner added: "Whilst the referendum will not be a binding decision on the council, we think the people of St Annes should have their say on whether parts of the gardens should be sold, and we hope that as a responsible, listening council, Fylde will hear when the town speaks."

SOAG representatives were due to meet with representatives from Fylde Borough Council last night (Wednesday) to discuss the matter. Fylde's Cllr Susan Fazackerley, chairman of the council's task group set up to work with SOAG, said: "We're surprised and disappointed that SOAG have come to a conclusion prior to a key meeting when consulting with residents was to be discussed.

"At our previous meeting with the group, the council was asked whether we were prepared to consult with St Annes residents. We confirmed that we would be prepared to do so in partnership with SOAG, providing that a mutual consultation program was agreed.

"Having seen previous SOAG survey results, the council is concerned that residents are likely to be presented with incomplete and misleading information as part of the group's forthcoming 'referendum'. Their suggested financial proposals are unrealistic."

She insisted the park belongs to the council, adding: "We have, therefore, the right to sell this small part of it."

And Cllr Fazackerley blasted SOAG, saying: "The council is rapidly losing confidence in this group's willingness to work with us, and in their ability to present the full facts."

She said the group's 'continued opposition' could jeopardise the lottery bid.