A GROUP of residents in Burnley are angry over proposals to change the status of a unit on a trading estate near their homes to a site for general industrial use.

Members of the Caring Accrington Road Residents group have presented a protest petition to local councillors.

They fear that problems with traffic will be increased and that they will also suffer from noise and dirt if the scheme goes through.

The residents live near to the Burnham Gate trading estate.

One of them, Clair Atkinson, said: "I don't know what is happening in Burnley. Manufacturing processes should be directed towards proper industrial estates well away from residential areas.

"The plans for this unit will mean that a noisy and dirty process will be taking place too near to people's homes.

"This could very well set a precedent for the other trading units on this small trading estate."

Coun Carole Galbraith commented: "It seems crazy that the town accepts money from the public purse in the form of £20 million of regeneration money to improve housing conditions with one hand at the same time as having to consider granting changes of use to planning applications which will destroy any chance of this residential area being improved and may adversely affect people's willingness to invest in bringing the older houses up to 21st century standards."

Coun Tony Lambert added: "It is not too many years since Trafalgar Flats were knocked down and replaced with modern housing.

"All the modern houses on the other side of the trading estate are occupied. It is a success for Burnley Council.

"However, if regeneration in Burnley is to be successful the people need to feel confident that when they invest their money in the town it will be safe.

"I hope the planning committee will consider this application very seriously."