CAMPAIGNERS are furious after being told that D-day in their fight against a huge development on their doorsteps may be in the middle of Blackburn holidays.

A month ago they celebrated when a decision was taken to hold a public planning inquiry into the scheme for a hotel, car showroom, petrol filling station and sport/health centre near Haslingden Road, Guide.

They had originally feared they would only be given the chance to send in written objections rather than come face-to-face with a government inspector.

But now the campaigners have been told by planning chiefs that the inquiry date could be July 26 - in the middle of Blackburn holidays.

Barristers representing Arrowcroft North West, who are behind the scheme, could not make a suggested date in June for the inquiry. Campaign spokesman Pat Kennedy said: "It is very disappointing that after being told we could have an inquiry with an inspector that it will be in the holiday period when so many people who have an interest in this will not be around."

A spokesman for the government office North West said no date had been finally set.

Meanwhile the campaign group is asking people in the village to write once more to oppose another scheme proposed for the area.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee last week passed the responsibility for a final decision to the Government on a scheme to build more industrial units near Walker Park, behind Blackamoor Road, Guide.

Guide residents are now being encouraged to write to the Government's North West office in Manchester to make it clear that people in the area are against the scheme.

The campaign group is also preparing to oppose a scheme for more than 30 houses off Haslingden Road.

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