FEARS for the future of six Bury lodges in the wake of their planned sell-off has prompted worried conservationists to launch their own campaign.

And a public meeting will be staged on September 2 amid growing concerns that the Whitehead Lodges, being sold off as part of a £1.5 million package, could ultimately be drained and robbed of their wildlife.

Up to 5,000 residents will be sent letters by the newly-formed Friends of Cockey Moor and Whitehead Lodges, urging them to attend the meeting.

Leading the campaign is Mrs Elaine Shirt of Waddington Close, Lowercroft, who is the current chairman of Bury Environment Forum's Urban Issues Group.

She says that the Whitehead lodges in North Starling are part of a package of property being put on the market following the collapse of Elton Cop Dyeing, which shut its Walshaw Road headquarters in January with 80 job losses.

Elton owned and maintained the lodges which had provided 30,000 gallons of water an hour to meet day-to-day production needs. Now, Mrs Shirt is worried that the lodges could be drained to attract potential developers.

In her letter to residents, she states: "This is your chance to protect your lodges and surrounding countryside from being developed upon.

"Although this land is designated as green belt, external influences may dictate its future land use.

"For example, the drainage of the lodges does not require planning permission and would therefore attract prospective developers."

Commenting on the sale, Mrs Shirt told the Bury Times: "As far as I am aware, the package up for sale includes the old Elton Cop works, land to the rear near to Elton school and the six Whitehead lodges.

"When we heard the lodges were being sold off, we got very worried. If they are sold as open space, who is to say they might not be drained?"

She says that the area, within the Cockey Moor green belt, is a haven for wildlife including herons and kingfishers.

"We don't want another situation like Barracks Lodge," she said. "Ideally, what we'd really like is for these lodges to be managed as a local nature reserve."

The new group has enlisted the support of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Bury Environmental Forum and Bury's wildlife officer in its efforts to preserve the lodges in their present condition.

Mrs Shirt is anxious that as many residents as possible make an effort to attend the public meeting on Sunday, September 2.

It will take place at noon at Bolton Road Sports Club, to the rear of Chantlers CP School, entrance via Elton Vale Road.

"It is only by their attendance and support that we will have any chance to protect the lodges, wildlife and countryside," concluded Mrs Shirt.

No one at Elton's parent company, Cheshire-based IPT Group, was available to talk to the Bury Times on the planned sale.