A FARMER whose business was nearly wrecked by the foot and mouth crisis has revealed he had been the victim of hate letters after unveiling plans to open a camp site and hostel.

Ray Houghton, of Clough Head Farm, Broadhead Road, revealed two letters had circulated throughout the Edgworth area after he had submitted his planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The 45-year-old, whose farm has been in his family for generations, spoke at Thursday's meeting of Blackburn with Darwen's planning and highways committee before councillors approved his plans.

His project includes demolishing several unused agricultural buildings and create an outdoor centre which would include a ramblers lodge, hostel and self catering accommodation. A camp site would also be created.

Nine letters of objection were received to the plan, mainly from residents living in the Edgworth area. Complaints included that it would attract too many visitors, that the roads in the area were not suitable for extra traffic and the potential effect it could have on house prices if the tranquillity of the valley was shattered by extra visitors.

One letter even suggested that because houses in the area rely on local springs for water and do not have a mains supply, extra demand for water at the hostel would lead to other residents being left high and dry. However, United Utilities raised no objection to the proposal.

Mr Houghton told the committee: "I was very sad to hear about the objections but I believe they are based on mis-information spread in two nasty, anonymous letters sent around the village.

"When I was growing up on the farm there were around 30 farms operating in the Broadhead valley. We are the only ones left now and I am disappointed that complaints have come in from relatively new people in the area, who just commute in and out.

"I cannot understand the suggestion that the people coming here would spoil the tranquillity. They are ramblers and other people who enjoy being outdoors and respect the countryside.

"We have received support from 19 organisations for our proposals and we need to diversify to carry on."

Mr Houghton's existing business had suffered after prices collapsed following the foot and mouth crisis.

Michael McNicholas, chairman of the Blackburn and Darwen Ramblers' Association, said: "A facility like this is crucial for the area because the West Pennine Moors are becoming more and more popular with out-of-town visitors.

"I can imagine that it will be a very well used facility."

Coun Sue Reid, a member of the planning and highways committee, said: "This sounds like a very good plan."