RESIDENTS and councillors are celebrating this week after a developer ditched plans for a shopping complex they believe would have brought chaos to their village.

Oakamoor Estates Ltd wanted to build an 18,000 square metre facility of DIY based stores next to the Capitol Centre, in Walton-le-Dale.

The plans had been in progress for 18 months as the Midlands-based firm tried to buy up 57 houses on Victoria Road, Grove Road and Edward Street to make room for the development.

Many residents tried to resist selling their homes. While others, living near the proposed site, were worried about the increased traffic passing through the area as a result.

But despite the relief that the plans have been scrapped, some residents now feel bitter about all the months of uncertainty and stress they suffered.

They claimed Oakamoor kept them uninformed of developments and fear the company could submit a refined bid in the future.

Now they have joined with councillors and are demanding Oakamoor explain why the change of plan and whether they will try again.

Ian Whittaker, a spokesperson for Oakamoor, said the residents would be written to in the coming weeks, but refused to explain the decision to Preston Citizen.

The company started negotiations to buy the houses, nearby factories and the home of South Ribble Business Venture before submitted a planning application. The plans included a DIY shop, a garden centre and a carpet/furniture retailer and would have created up to 750 new jobs.

Preston Council objected to the plans as officers feared town centre trade would be hit.

And councillors at South Ribble Council had been expecting Oakamoor to send in revised plans until this shock announcement this week.

Coun Harold Clarkson said that Walton-le-Dale already had an adequate number of DIY stores on the Capitol Centre. "It's a dead duck now and thank God for that!" he said. "We were absolutely delighted with this result. The plans have caused a lot of aggro, and we've been fighting this for some considerable time.

"The plans have been taken in and taken out and now they have been pulled out all together. The uncertainty has been a real headache for residents.

"They didn't know when they would have to move -- they have been in limbo.

"They wanted to put in place an industry that was already here. We have DIY shops on the Capitol Centre. The development would have meant thousands of extra cars passing through the area.

'I don't think they will come back for a third attempt. I think the residents can relax now and their houses are safe."

Coun Cliff Hughes, South Ribble Council's spokesperson on planning issues, said: "The proposed development caused a great uncertainty for people living in the area, so the news that the developer has pulled out means they can feel more certain about the future.

"However, the Capitol Centre remains a buoyant site and will no doubt attract other developers."

One resident, aged 79, who refused to be named, said: "I didn't want to leave my home but felt intimidated by Oakamoor. They came around with financial advisers, and the fact that they were educated well above my standard was intimidating.

"We have suffered 18 months of uncertainty and I regret ever signing on the line.

"Who wants to move when they are nearly 80? It would have been the loss of neighbours and friends who you rely on.

"But until I get this pull-out confirmed from Oakamoor I don't believe anything. There's been so many rumours we want to know what's actually happening."

Ian Whittaker, a spokesperson for Oakamoor Estates, said: "We will be writing to advise residents and businesses before we speak to the press. We think that is the right way to do it."