PLANS to redevelop a petrol station on Whalley New Road, Blackburn, have caused uproar among residents who live nearby.

More than 230 people in the area have signed a petition opposing the scheme to demolish the existing petrol station and buildings, as well as a pair of semi-detached houses and a detached house nearby.

The old garage will be replaced by a shop, office and store, six islands for petrol pumps under a canopy, a car wash, two jet washes, two car vacuum bays and car parking at the rear of the site.

Planning experts have advised councillors to give the scheme the green light when they meet on Thursday.

A letter from one Whalley New Road resident pleaded with councillors to ignore that advice and prevent the work from going ahead.

It said: "If you took the time and trouble to view this area including the side and rear roads surrounding the garage I am sure you would find it impossible to justify the granting of such an application.

"This does not just affect residents on Whalley New Road but also Brownhill Road, as these residents share the rear road between our gardens.

"The condition and safety for all concerned of this rear road is an absolute disgrace. My own personal experiences consist of four broken garage windows, damage to car, graffiti to garage doors and a large build up of litter.

"There is also the problem of excessive noise created by customers.

"This is intensified during the night to the extent that I find it difficult to sleep."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.