TOWN Hall bosses have agreed to sell off land at Sycamore Road in Tottington to house developers.

But they promise local residents that they WILL get their say over the proposed sale, because the site is public land.

Members of the council's executive committee made the decision behind closed doors on Wednesday evening (Oct 31).

The Bury Times understands that the fenced-in play ground, which includes swings and slides, will remain. Land surrounding it, not officially designated as a play area, is what will be sold to Walshaw Estates. The company needs it to build an access road to its proposed new development of 30 houses.

Tottington councillor David Higgin had complained that it was "undemocratic" for councillors to decide the sale in secret.

He and seven of his Tory colleagues have now "called in" the matter for a full council debate on November 21.

Councillor Derek Boden, deputy council leader, said the council was not proposing to bulldoze a play area. He said that, because the land was public space, the public would have to be consulted before it was sold.

"To suggest we are stopping people from commenting could not be further from the truth," he said.

But Coun Higgin said he was irritated that the decision, at least in principle, had been made before the public were consulted.

"It's all a question of whether they listen to public opinion when the matter goes out to consultation," said the Tory leader.

He also hoped the public would not be excluded during the debate when the matter went to full council.

Walshaw Estates have been given outline planning permission for the housing development. The council had originally objected, but lost on appeal following a public inquiry.

Residents have complained that the development would lead to an increase in traffic and also increase pressure on Tottington's infrastructure.