A PLEA to block new housing will be made to Pendle Council by residents of the Westgate and Calf Hall areas of Barnoldswick.

Two petitions will be presented, protesting at plans to earmark two areas of land near to their homes for housing.

The threatened areas are the Clough Park play area, given to the town some years ago by Silentnight Ltd, and a greenfield site off Calf Hall Road.

Residents are concerned over the possible loss of the children's play area and parking facilities and about increased traffic levels on already congested streets.

Spokesman Nigel Weaver said: "A group of residents will attend the council meeting on November 11 and we hope that two of us will be able to address the council to urge them to think again.

"We also hope to present both petitions at that meeting."

The threatened car parking area at the former Clough Mill site was used by visitors to two churches, by ramblers and by residents who were not able to park on the streets because of double yellow lines.

The protesters are also fighting to save the play area as the nearest alternative is some distance away.

And they say development of the greenfield site will cause traffic problems as access would be shared with existing industrial and commercial properties.

Mr Weaver added: "Pendle Council has already acknowledged there are traffic problems by agreeing to instal traffic calming measures."

He said there was strong feeling in the area and they are lobbying all councillors to stop the housing proposals.

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