FURIOUS Darwen residents have declared they will fight on to save an old bowling green from property developers.

Hollins Grove Liberal Club members last week announced that the club had won its appeal to government planning inspectors for outline planning permission and can now sell the land off to save the club.

Blackburn with Darwen Council announced on Friday that it would not take the protest any further, after initial planning permission was denied by the council last year.

Adam Scott, council director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, said: "The application has gone through the planning process and unfortunately the planning inspector has found in favour of the applicant.

"Whilst the council is disappointed with this decision, we are unlikely to pursue it further."

Residents on Oldfield Avenue, situated next to the green, today voiced their disappointment over the decision and have pledged to continue the fight when specific proposals come before a planning committee.

A petition, signed by 80 residents, was drawn up last year in protest against the land sale.

Colin Cronshaw, of Oldfield Avenue, said: "There will be no open spaces left on this street and traffic is always choc-a-bloc.

"We have people coming here off the main road and parking and now, with new houses, it's going to be a nightmare.

"We already have enough problems with parking and now it's going to be even worse."

Avenue resident Judith Kirkham said: "This green has been nothing but trouble because we've already had problems with children climbing over our fence when they play football on the green.

"Now we will have the prospect of having houses right outside our window. I don't know which one's worse."

Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I just don't see where more residents can park. There's already problems with parking on the street.

"We know some people on the street who have wanted to cut down trees but weren't given permission because the land had to remain how it was.

"And now this is happening. It all seems wrong and we won't give up the fight to stop it."

Earcroft ward councillors reacted angrily to the decision.

Coun Mary Leaver said: "It's an appalling decision and I really feel for the residents. We will just see what happens next."

A final decision has not yet been made on the sale of the green.