MORE Leyland residents have lodged objections to aspects of the Towngate plan - but have given their full backing to the regeneration of the area.

A spokeswoman for the allotment holders at the rear of Fox Lane said that while they welcome plans to better the area, they believe the loss of the allotments will be detrimental.

The spokeswoman said: "We don't want people to think we're against the development - that's not the case at all.

"We're as keen to see it as anybody else. We want the area to have better shops and better facilities.

"But the allotments have been here for more than 40 years and, as a leisure pursuit, it should be catered for in the new plan.

"The area has abundant wildlife and and in years to come I'd imagine such a fruitful piece of land will be sorely missed.

"It seems such a waste replacing it with concrete.

"We have been told we will be given alternative allotments but there are three other sights in the area which have no free plots."

Councillor Tom Hanson, chairman of development control at South Ribble Borough Council, said: "This is like any other application we receive.

"We will take all concerns into consideration. We have been waiting for this development for so long now that it has to be right.

"If it isn't right, we won't do it. We have to - and will - listen to the people that live in the area."

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