ANGRY residents living in a leafy suburb north of Preston have launched a scathing attack on council chiefs over plans to build a housing estate nearby.

Locals in the village of Woodplumpton have vowed to stop the development of 30 homes on open countryside.

Around 70 members of the Woodplumpton Action Group, established by Liberal Democrat councillor Christine Abram, intend to oppose an outline plan due to be discussed next month. They say access to the site - accessible via Plumpton field - would aggravate existing traffic problems in the area's narrow country roads.

There are also concerns that the increased number of families living in the area could put a strain on the already overstretched local primary school.

Coun Abram said: "The traffic problem in Woodplumpton village has now reached such an extent that it cannot cope with any more cars.

"The prospect of bringing more families into the area, on an agricultural site which has a very narrow and restricted access, seems ludicrous.

"I would encourage anyone opposing this plan to write an individual letter to Preston Borough Council's planning department."

Council planning committee chairman, Coun Ron Atkins, said: "I have no comment at this stage. The matter will be dealt with by the planning department in due course."

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