RESIDENTS in Redvales are seeing red over plans to build a new nursery on their last piece of green land.

A grassed area between Dorset Drive, Topham Street and Alfred Street, in the Springs area of Bury, has been earmarked for a new Sure Start nursery.

But the Save Our Springs group say the site is the last piece of green land in the area and they do not want to lose it.

Mr Wyn Davies, a Springs resident, said: "This area is the last bit of green we have left round here, with lots of wildlife. Sure Start is a great project but we just don't know why it has to be built here."

Notification of the planning application was sent to all residents living near to the site in August, and many objected.

Mr Davies added: "I spoke to other people living nearby and found out they were not happy about it either."

The group also opposes the plan because of inadequate parking arrangements which could result in congestion along Rhiwlas Drive and Dorset Drive. They also feel that light pollution from in and around the building might affect nocturnal wildlife like bats.

Sure Start is a Government initiative to give youngsters a good start in life.

Sue Myers, programme manager with Sure Start Redvales, said: "The green area, in recent times, has had a few problems with people drinking there and youths, but if the plan is passed, we hope to make it into a big community building for the people of Redvales."

Community group, the Springs Tenants Co-op, withdrew their support for the scheme in August, when they were told Sure Start would not be funding any part of the development not connected with their objectives.

The group said they were led to believe the general community would be given basic use of the new building.

The Save Our Springs group will be holding a public meeting to discuss their objections to the planned Sure Start building on Monday (September 29), at the Liberal Club, in Nelson Street, in the Springs at 6.30pm. All are welcome.