ANGRY residents today vowed to fight "all the way" against plans to turn a green field site behind their homes into a new estate.

Catherine Kenny, of Priory Place, Darwen, organised a petition to demonstrate neighbours' strength of feeling against the proposals.

Their efforts are being supported by Liberal Democrat councillor Kevin Connor, and the petition has been presented to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Preston-based Acland Bracewell Surveyors Ltd is acting as agents for the land between Marsh House Lane and Pole Lane.

They hope to market the land for possible residential development if planning permission is granted.

Mrs Kenny, who lives with her 14-year-old son David, said: "I was really angry when I saw the plans and decided I had to do something.

"More than 400 people living in the Marsh House area have put their name to the protest and individual letters have also been sent to the council.

"The main concerns are about the loss of greenery in Darwen, which is fast disappearing. If we carry on at this rate there will be nothing left.

"Building on this land will also affect the natural boundary between Darwen and Hoddlesden.

"People living very close to the planned site are also worried about losing view, privacy, light and wildlife. We are determined to fight it all the way."

Councillors are expected to discuss whether to grant outline planning permission for the proposal when the planning and highways committee meets at the end of September. PROTEST: Catherine Kenny with son David and neighbour Colin Haworth and his son Jack, five, on the land under threat