CAMPAIGNERS in Guide who opposing plans for a large commercial development near their homes are planning to contact every resident in the area to ask for support.

An action group has been set up to stand against the scheme from Arrowcroft North West, an arm of United Utilities, which includes a hotel, car showroom, health/leisure centre and other developments, on land near Haslingden Road.

And campaign leader Pat Kennedy wants to know how many people will be able to attend the public inquiry into the plans which will be led by a government inspector at the end of July.

Leaflets will be sent to all of the areas which would neighbour the development if it gets the go-ahead.

The aim is to get an early indication of how many people will turn up from the village for the inquiry and to find out how many people want to speak.

At a pre-inquiry meeting, held in May, the government inspector told campaigners an evening session may be held so that people from the village who work during the day would be able to attend the inquiry and have their say.

The campaigners have lodged a protest about the start date of the inquiry, July 26, because it is in the middle of Blackburn holidays when many people in the village are likely to be away on holiday.

Blackburn with Darwen councillors asked the government to decide on the plan in the summer of 1998 and planning bosses at the government's North West headquarters in Manchester subsequently decided a public inquiry would be held.

Plans for a large residential development in the area have already been given the green light without the need for a public inquiry.

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