A NATURE lover who transformed three acres of derelict land into a woodland paradise today urged Pendle Council to issue a tree preservation order, adding: "Years of work could be destroyed."
Steve McBirney, 63, of Short Street, Colne, spoke out after approaching the council to help protect the area which now attracts rare birds and animals.
Mr McBirney has spent 20 years on the land directly behind his home. He planted the woodland and uncovered an ancient pathway. But despite a three-year campaign to get the area officially recognised, it remains open to development.
The council's Environment and Conservation Planning Officer Chris Binney said they had not refused to grant Mr McBirney the Tree Preservation Order. They just hadn't got around to it. "His request is in process in our system. Unfortunately it was delayed because of recent emergencies which needed immediate attention."
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