OBJECTORS to controversial development proposals for the Lancaster Canal corridor have stepped up their campaign to 'safeguard the future of local jobs and heritage'.

Bristol construction company Chelverton created a stir last year by unveiling its vision for a supermarket, large stores and a link road cutting across the site.

But local lobby group Stop Chelverton fears any such plan will have a massive impact on the city's cultural heritage and economy - and is determined to keep the issue high on the agenda.

Campaigners are urging local people to press upon councillors the importance of not selling the land for development.

Part of the proposed development site is owned by Lancaster City Council, which voted against selling it for a supermarket, new road and 'big box development' at a meeting in December.

It also agreed to negotiate a lease for Lancaster Musician's Co-Op to enable it to bid for funding for ambitious development plans.

Stop Chelverton members fear that is not enough.

The group's Sally Banks says the development would force the closure of many local shops by causing a shift of the town centre to the canal area, while Morecambe could also be hard hit.

Now the group is distributing fliers within the area to keep the campaign's profile high.

The leaflet relates the story to-date and highlights concerns about potential job losses as a result of the proposed development.

It also calls on Lancaster people to write to councillors to ensure they take action to safeguard the future of jobs and the cultural heritage.