PLANNING councillors look set to give the go-ahead for three accommodation blocks for 240 more inmates at two local prisons.

The Prison Service submitted plans to Chorley Borough Council for Garth and Wymott jails.

But Ulnes Walton Parish Council fears traffic problems on Ulnes Walton Lane and claimed more prisoners would result in local residents being exposed to "noise, disturbance and bad language".

Borough councillor Doreen Dickinson, whose Lostock ward covers the two prisons and who is also a member of the prison liaison panel, said: "We feel houses are more likely to be broken into by people visiting friends in prison.

"Although it's difficult to prove, I don't think it helps."

The applications are due to go before Chorley Borough Council's development control committee tomorrow evening.

The committee was told in a report from Alan Croston, the council's head of planning services, that it is understood the prison population at Garth would rise from 633 to 753 and at Wymott from 805 to 925.

The development would result in a further 40 staff at each prison.

The committee are recommended to approve the plans.