PLANS to build a skateboard park inside a Darwen mill have run into opposition from local residents.

Feelings were running high when a meeting was held to discuss the plan to convert a 9,500 sq ft space at Gillibrand Mill.

Many residents were against the proposal, saying the increased noise and traffic would greatly affect the quality of their lives and reduce the value of their houses.

They told Terence Sentance and Mick Ledder, the men behind the project, that they experienced problems when that part of the mill was previously occupied by an antiques company. The developers explained that a piece of land off Hollins Grove Street will be used as a car park and that everything will be done to make sure that everything will be self-contained.

Mr Sentance said: "The meeting was very productive and some residents thanked us for giving them the chance to voice their opinions which have all been taken on board. Because of the opposition the timescale has been moved back somewhat. If there had been no opposition, the application would probably have gone through but now it must be heard at a planning meeting in April."