RACECOURSE plans could have wider implications for people living in the Boothstown and Astley areas.

Exciting plans have been forwarded for a new Manchester horse race course, equestrian centre and outdoor activities complex on 2,000 acres of farmland and woodland as part of Salford Forest Park project.

But community leaders are cautiously considering the environmental impact this could mean to the two separate communities.

One of them, Astley Green villagers' spokesman Pete Berry, fears if the idea goes through it could lead to Astley and Boothstown losing their own identities and being merged by further housing development.

Mr Berry, of Higher Green Lane, is vice-chairman of Astley Green Residents' Association, revealed two main areas of concern about Peel Investments (North) Limited's plans for a huge leisure park based around Botany Bay Wood and Moss House and Malkins Wood farms south of the Bridgewater Canal.

Plans, on view in Boothstown Library and Tyldesley Town Hall, show an access route which Mr Berry fears could put the Green Belt tract between Astley and Boothstown in the front line for residential development.

Mr Berry said: "The proposed access road from the Queen's junction on the East Lancashire Road at Boothstown has been refused before -- when it was considered for access to the Whitehead landfill site -- as it would have meant up to 250 wagons a day using it.

"Now the access could be passed by planners and have 10 times that many vehicles using it on race days. The traffic consequences would be a nightmare.

Little buffer

"A road through this area would open up the land between Boothstown and Astley to future developments. At the moment it is Green Belt with no vehicular access, making it impossible to build on. That area is a nice little buffer between Wigan and Salford, we don't want to see it developed.

"We are not happy at all. Certain parts of the plan look good, for example the Botany Bay Woods, but the price we have to pay far outweighs the advantages."

Chairman of Boothstown Residents' Association Mike Howard, said: "At the moment we are gathering opinion from the residents. Our main concern is the extra traffic that will be generated through the town. We are also intrigued as to what is meant by the planned eco-village and the woodland initiative, which we have heard will involve furniture producing factories.

"There seem to be a wide range of opinions, some think if the traffic was sorted out the plans are a good idea, but others are set against them no matter what.

"We are approaching it with caution. It is a large scheme, with large opportunities, but there could also be large problems."

The race course and leisure complex plans are currently on view in Boothstown Library. Access road plans and the access road application, which Peel Investments have submitted to Wigan Council, can be viewed at Tyldesley Library or at Wigan planning and development department in New Market Street, Wigan. Philip Rothwell, Project Manager for Salford Forest Park commented: "Peel Holdings have conducted a full range of assessments including traffic, ecology, and agricultural studies in addition to other important areas that we felt needed to be investigated.

"This includes the perceived traffic issue which we believe has been satisfactorily addressed by the transport assessment submitted with the planning application. A number of bird, bat, amphibian and other wildlife studies have been carried out by specialist ecologists over the last two years. The Salford Forest Park scheme is designed to achieve ecological enhancement of the area rather than being detrimental.

"In addition to Botany Bay Wood, which will remain unaffected by the scheme we will be creating new habitats under selective ecological management.

"The proposed site covers almost 700 hectares -- a large site, of which very little land has been identified for building development. Where building will take place materials sympathetic to the environment will be used where possible.

"The eco village will consist of grass roofed living pods developed in an ecologically sustainable way by employing the latest in green technology. The village will provide accommodation for families willing to enjoy the facilities available and realise the full recreational potential of the Forest Park.

"The timber initiative will provide workshop units for local woodland crafts provided in a woodland setting. Visitors will be able to learn how woodlands provide raw materials for a range of products in a sustainable way and witness traditional skills and techniques."