BATTLE lines have been drawn over plans for a £500,000 ecology centre in a rural area of Burnley after the parish council came out against the scheme.

Supporters of the proposed residential centre claim it will be a valuable resource for schools in the area and would provide a much needed boost for tourism. But opponents say the scheme at Green Clough Wood and Berril's Green, Cliviger, is unsuitable for the site.

The ecology centre has been proposed by local businessman Nick Hennessey, who runs Burnley estate agents The Best Offer in Hollingreave Road. Mr Hennessey claims he already has the support of the Lancashire Rural Futures Group, which assists rural businesses and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

But today the clerk of Cliviger Parish Council Stephen Smith said although they would in principle support the scheme the plans were seriously flawed. He added: "We would be in favour of something that brings people and business to Cliviger, however the location for this scheme is not in keeping with the site. It is very close to Holme House and could endanger any future development that may be proposed for that."

The scheme consists of a 16-acre development of a residential centre for up to 30 schoolchildren for stays of up to 3 days' study of the local flora and fauna.

The centre could also be used for a variety of outdoor pursuits like walking, fishing and canoeing both for schoolchildren and adults.

The proposals, which have gone before Burnley Borough Council's planning department, are likely to cost between £300,000-£500,000 and would be paid for from grants and private investment.

Mr Hennessey said: "This is a unique opportunity to make use of this fantastic area of natural beauty which has got so much wildlife and plant life which can be studied and enjoyed."