CAMPAIGNING residents have pledged to fight for open space even though a major new residential and leisure development near their homes is now under way.

Development company Arrowcroft Northwest claims that up to 1,400 jobs could be created as part of its plans to build a health and fitness centre, fast food outlet, hotel and pub complex on land at Guide, close to junction five of the M65.

The firm has just sold 11 acres of the 43 acre site to Miller Homes who are planning to build 120 houses on the land as the first phase of the development.

But residents who campaigned against the plans for 12 months, claiming the scheme would swamp their village, create more traffic and damage the environment, say they have not given up.

Campaigner Pat Kennedy said: "The plans have been given the go-ahead so we can't change that, but the developers are supposed to be discussing the layout of the site with residents and the Wildlife Trust.

"We will be pushing for as much open space and as many trees as possible. "That land is one of the last places in Blackburn where lapwings come regularly and we want to see that protected."

Theresa Luker, who also lives in Guide, said: "I am really sorry about the loss of open space and I worry about the knock-on effects of the development.

"The people who live in the new houses are bound to have children. But where will they go to school as all the nearby schools are full?"

Blackburn with Darwen Council backed the plans which were subject to a public inquiry, and the developers were finally given the green light last year.

Arrowcroft is still in negotiations with fast food, fitness, pub and hotel operators for the commercial phase of the development.

Christopher Fox, managing director of Arrowcroft Northwest, said: "Once these negotiations are successfully completed, which should be some time very soon, the next phase of this £25 million development will follow."

The Fishmoor development aims to regenerate land included in an initiative using European funding to promote employment in the area.

Mr Fox said: "The completed devlopment will bring up to 1,400 new jobs to the area as well as acting as a catalyst for major inward investment into Lancashire."