LANCASTER students will formally object to planning permission for new residences at the Bailrigg campus.

And they are claiming a growing level of public support for their campaign against the new £120 million project.

More than 50 Galgate residents attended a meeting at the village institute and expressed their concerns about disruption during the building process and drainage Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson was in attendance and, despite re-iterating his support for the plans, pledged to take up issues including drainage and sustainable transport with the university.

On Tuesday, students held a day of action to raise awareness of the plans, including a march up the university drive and a display of orange posters and banners.

They argue that residences will have too many expensive en-suite rooms and a growing number of students will have to pay for rent for 51 weeks a year instead of the current 30 to 38 weeks.

Trish McGrath, president of Lancaster University Students' Union, said: "Galgate seems to be very concerned, especially about the south-west campus.

"We're finding them very supportive in their e-mails and telephone calls.

"The next stage is to continue to try and improve the plans and put in an objection to the planning permission.

"We will continue to object until they come up with proposals that are acceptable to us.

In a statement, a university spokesman said: "The University considers the building of new accommodation and the updating of existing colleges to be vital for its future success.

"The university is aware of the students' concerns and will be working to minimise disruption to students and the local community.