A PRIMARY school from Salford is backing a campaign to keep a former mill site in Weir, the source of the River Irwell, free from housing.

Friar's Primary School, Canon Street, has been sending parties of children to see the start of the river for about six years. The Irwell begins at Irwell Springs, off Heald Lane, a former mill site in an area which is threatened with being developed for housing. Weir Lodges and Woodlands Trust has been established to fight the development plans. Although the plans have been turned down by councillors, the applicant could still appeal or resubmit a new scheme.

Chairman of the trust John Glendinning said: "The fact children are studying the source reinforces the trust's belief that the area should be preserved." Cathy Newbery, projects officer for the Irwell Valery sculpture trail, said: "We are considering the area as a location for a sculpture."