COUNCIL chiefs have given the go-ahead for a scheme to build six new tennis courts in Clitheroe, despite opposition from local residents.

More than 30 campaigners packed into the public gallery at Ribble Valley Borough Council's planning and development committee in a bid to fight plans for the scheme at Clitheroe's Edisford sports complex, which is earmarked to be built on fields near their homes -- and accused the committee of putting profits before safety.

Opposition to the scheme has been so strong that a 400-name petition has been submitted to the council, along with nearly 300 letters of objection, voicing concerns about an increase in noise, pollution from floodlighting and road safety, with residents fearing Edisford Road could become a 'death trap'.

But the committee gave the scheme the green light, with amendments made to the internal layout of the courts and floodlighting, which is to be increased in height to 10m, will not be used before 9am or after 10pm.

Plans for site, which could eventually be designated by the Lawn Tennis Association as one of just three key 'premier clubs' in the the county, include three dedicated tennis courts, a mini tennis area, a multi sports area and floodlighting, all of which will have an all-weather synthetic sports surface.

And the scheme will also now include the construction of a puffin crossing for pedestrians using the car park opposite. Speaking on behalf of local residents, Jane Bolton said: "There is a huge strength of feeling against this application from local residents.

"We have nothing against the council wanting to enhance sporting facilities, but we have several major concerns."

Mrs Bolton said they were worried about noise pollution and that the glare from the flood lighting would spill on to the nearby field and Edisford Road for an estimated 35 metres. She also questioned why the site had been chosen.

She added: "We have been told that the council will provide the full costs of a puffin crossing and we ask that the new complex does not open until this has been installed.

Coun John McGowan said residents did not want a repeat of the controversial tennis dome situation.

"We have nothing against any tennis or any other sport played on the field, but have concerns that the location of this scheme will have a detrimental affect on the area, especially to residents living in the council-owned St Anne's Court and Beech Grove nursing home."

And he slammed Clitheroe Town councillors for failing to meet with the objectors to hear their concerns. He said: "The only good thing to come out of this the puffin crossing, which should be installed first."

But Coun Harry Backhouse, Waddington, said that following a traffic survey carried out earlier this week by Lancashire County Council, the number of pedestrians crossing Edisford Road did not merit the installation of a puffin crossing.

He added: "The cost of the crossing would be in excess of £35,000, which, if approved by the community committee, would be at the expense of other facilities. I don't think the borough council should have to pay for it when it is the county council's responsibility."

Coun Frank Dyson, of Clitheroe, said that at a recent meeting with objectors they had "harked back to the tennis dome, which has coloured their thinking." He added: "This is already a greatly used facility. More tennis and soccer facilities are desirable and will further enhance sporting facilities there. I hope that Low Moor residents will use the facility."

Coun Paul Adnitt, of Clitheroe, said he had 'mixed feelings' about the application, but felt that a puffin crossing would be one of the scheme's major benefits and should be paid for by the council.

The committee agreed to pass the scheme and accepted the planning officer's recommendation to place an order, within four weeks of work beginning on the site, to secure the construction of the crossing.

Speaking after the meeting, local residents expressed their anger at the decision.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "We are not against tennis, we just want to be consulted every step of the way, but the councillors were making out we were objecting to sport. We just want it to be a nice place for people to visit.

"Would they put up with such a development on their doorsteps?"

She added: "I have lived in Clitheroe for over 30 years and the council had never done anything for youngsters. Is the shelter on Henthorn park the best they can do?"

And another Edisford Road resident accused Coun Backhouse of having "no idea about town life". He added: "Coun Backhouse seems to want the council to bring in more people to use the facilities but does not want to consider the safety aspect because it will cost money.

"The council is just double dealing and is putting profits before safety."

He added: "A puffin crossing should be installed now, before any work is carried out, not once it has been underway a month."