PLANS to build a controversial new Astley housing estate are to be shelved amid a police appeal to root out vandals and drug users.

Concerned residents, who live on the verge of the village conservation area, and their ward representative on Wigan Council's development control committee, objected to plans to build 21 new homes on a field off Church Road. They voiced concern about the effect on the environment and road safety and planners this week turned down the application.

Police have appealed for witnesses after vandals targeted a bungalow on the greenfield site which was earmarked for development after the death of occupant and land owner Miss Vera Unsworth.

Windows were smashed and racist graffitti, a swastika and obscenities daubed on walls.

Counc Steve Hellier told the Journal: "While there is some concern about alleged problems of vandalism and drugs misuse associated with this site in its present condition, these are matters for the appropriate authorities.

"Planning officers recommended that the application should be refused on highways and layout grounds. Having weighed all the evidence presented in the report, I felt it was my duty as ward councillor to move that course of action.

"Largely due to permission granted, as I understand it, in the 1960s by Tyldesley UDC and Lancashire CC, Astley has arguably had more than its fair share of new housing development over the years.

"I sometimes wonder whether the housing developers' national association shouldn't have a motto which reads, Show me a blade of grass and I'll show you how to build a house on it! "

A police spokesman said: "A lot of damage has been done to the bungalow. Racist graffitti has been put on the walls. Since it has been derelict it has been targeted. Windows have been broken. Doors have been damaged and they have been inside."

One of the executors of Miss Unsworth's estate, David Clifton, said he was "disappointed" by the council's rejection of the plans.