BURNLEY FC director Clive Holt has hit back at a council critic who voiced opposition to a multi-million pound plan to build a state-of-the-art cricket club on Fulledge Recreation Ground.

In an open letter to Independent councillor Andrew Holder, Mr Holt says his outspoken comments did nothing but hinder the fair process of the proposal.

Expressing surprise at the Brunshaw ward's councillor's immediate opposition to Burnley FC's plan to buy the present Burnley CC ground for soccer development and relocate cricket at Fulledge, he said: "How do you know what is planned before it is made known by both clubs?"

Coun Holder said he would fight tooth and nail against the proposal, announced two weeks ago, which he said showed no concern for the people of the area.

But Mr Holt said: "As a councillor I would expect you to be concerned and reserve your position until all the facts are known, perhaps even express some doubts, but to make such outspoken comments as you have does nothing but hinder fair due process."

Mr Holt's letter came as Fulledge residents revealed that more than 90 per cent of local householders are at present opposed to the plan for a cricket club outside their homes.

Spokesman Mr Jack Howorth said residents were now forming an action group to fight the plan to take over the council-owned land.

In a statement today, the householders said they did not wish to lose their open view over the land which has been a play area for children for generations.

The statement added: "Burnley Football Club use this land for parking on match days, but have the audacity to call it a mess when they should be ensuring that it is kept clean and litter free for residents."

It said: "Leave Fulledge Recreation Ground alone and let us all enjoy it -- not just the few."

In his open letter Mr Holt says both clubs are prepared to meet residents and local councillors to consider all views and try to come up with a scheme which was of benefit to as many as possible. He says he would be surprised if the scheme did not enhance property values in Fulledge and said to Coun Holder: "I would be surprised if your constituents would thank you if they did not at least have the opportunity to consider what was proposed."

Today Coun Holder rejected Mr Holt's comments and stood by his position.

"The simple fact is the residents of Fulledge just do not want this development no-matter what he says.

"I would suggest he knocks on a few doors in the area to gauge the real feeling, rather than just view life from the directors' box at Burnley FC."