PROTESTERS have made their feelings known over plans to turn a former athletics track into a Muslim burial ground.

Campaigners at the site in London Road, Preston, have draped protest banners and posters around the ground.

A meeting has also been organised for next week calling for residents to oppose the plans.

But organisers of the Preston Muslim Burial and Welfare Society, which applied to the council for permission to convert the site, have reassured residents that a burial ground won't affect them.

County councillor Vali Patel, of the society, said: "If we can get planning permission and get the council to let us use it for burial, it would be great. There's a need for it and the site's near Frenchwood and Fishwick, which have a large Asian population.

"We'd like to allay any fears. We're talking about one or two burials a week."

Preston's Muslim community are worried there is not enough space in the area for burials and a new plot is desperately needed. The site is a former brickworks and dumping ground, which became an athletic track around 20 years ago. Councillor Ismail Patel, Fishwick representative, said: "I can see the need for a Muslim cemetery in Preston because the existing one in New Hall Lane doesn't have a lot of space. But, at the same time, I can also understand that a lot residents will be concerned by having a cemetery near their homes."

But some residents believe the site would be put to better use if it remained a sports facility. One local, who wished not to be named, said: "The field was quite popular at one time but the corporation just let it go.

"Vandals didn't help, but it could be ideal for some sort of sports facility."

The planning application is due to be considered by Preston City Council on Monday and is likely to be deferred for further consultation.

People interested in finding out more can view the plans at Lancastria House, Lancaster Road North, Preston, from 8.45am-5.30pm Monday-Thursday, 8.45am-4.30pm on Fridays, from next week.