LEIGH Green Party have again raised the prospect of a holiday village plan for Pennington Country Park.

And they says it's the Xanadu developers who have given them the information!

After being condemned last year by Wigan Council for highlighting a scheme which didn't exist, Green campaigner Chris Maile says the proposal is now being actively pursued.

But Wigan Council have again rounded on Mr Maile and said: "The Flash is safe with us."

Mr Maile says his justification for the claims comes from a proof of evidence to the up-coming Kenyon Junction Station inquiry by planning specialist Alyn Nichols.

"He says Wigan MBC are currently promoting a comprehensive regeneration of the area and while they are in the formative stage, they are likely to include housing, offices, marina, golf course, museum block and a Center Parc-style holiday village."

Mr Maile said housing would go on the old Bickershaw Colliery site with the golf course moved there and the holiday village built on the existing course.

"A skiing association has said that hotel accommodation in the Xanadu complex is too dear for their members. But they would appreciate chalet or caravan type accommodation. All this is justification for saying a holiday village is on the way," said Mr Maile who added that the plans would connect up with a £500 million retail and housing project at the Wigan end of the canal corridor.

A spokesman for Wigan Council said there was no intention to develop any of Pennington Flash or the flashes.

"They are safe with us. Greenbank Partnership are looking at the possible regeneration of derelict areas of the Bickershaw Colliery site.

"We have not had or seen any proposals.

"It is our wish that it should be regenerated but it doesn't involve developing Pennington Flash or the country park."

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