CONCERNED residents are slamming proposals for the development of concrete and asphalt plants on the Aldon Road Industrial Estate in Poulton.

Home owners in the surrounding area are so worried about the possible pollution they plan to lobby councillors as they enter Wyre's full council meeting this evening (July 29).

Margaret Rudge, who is co-ordinating the residents' campaign against the proposals, expressed her concerns to the Citizen, saying: " As well as the pollution, noise and HGV traffic it would also be an eyesore which, no matter which way you approached Poulton, you would be able to see.

"It would spoil Poulton's idyllic, historical character. It's horrendous, a complete nightmare." Grandmother Margaret, who lives on Holts Lane just across the railway tracks from the planned development, continued: "It isn't only residents in Poulton who are concerned, we also have people from Singleton, across the fields in Fylde, joining us in our worries. There is a lot of support but now it's about putting on pressure and raising awareness."

The residents are supported in their campaign by several eminent political figures, including Hilton Dawson, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, who shares their concerns. He said: "The residents have done some extensive research into similar plants and found none which are located so close to residential buildings."

A spokesperson for Wyre Borough Council explained: "Originally planning permission was granted in 1997 for a concrete and asphalt plant but the building was never implemented.

"The current application is slightly larger but is on the same site where the original permission still applies. There is no decision yet as to when the proposal will be considered."

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