GREEN campaigners' plea to save a North Shore site for wildlife failed once more at Blackpool Council this week.

The council voted to invite homebuilders to put in new bids for the Leys Road former horticultural site in North Shore, after Bellway Homes pulled out of its plan for a 137-home luxury estate last week.

Bellway Homes had offered £5m for the site - a sum council leaders say is essential for school improvements, homes for the elderly, town centre regeneration and other future projects. Leys Road Action Group members, who have waged an 18-month battle to save the site, pledged to continue their fight.

Supporting them was Councillor Beverley Hill, who appealed for the council not to destroy the habitat of birds, insects, animals, flowers and trees - some threatened species.

"The sale of green land for housing to make more money for the council does not make sense," she said. "More people mean more services which means even more costs for the council."

But the land - which was designated for housing by a Department of Environment Inspector after a public inquiry - was condemned as far from the wildlife idyll Coun Hill depicted.

Coun John Boughton said: "I grew up there, I know this land, it's a mess. People don't go there because it's a tip. Far better for the majority of the people of Blackpool that the development should go ahead, because the benefits we can derive for ordinary citizens, vulnerable people, school pupils and the elderly will be far greater."

Council leader Ivan Taylor demanded what the opponents would cut from the town's improvement budget if the £5m sale did not go ahead - school improvements, homes for the elderly, industrial parks, sports facilities? "Support Blackpool and support its future because we do need the finances from this project. It's simply wrong-headed and short-sighted to oppose it."

The scheme is also necessary to fulfil the Government's new housing targets for the town which has few alternative sites.

After the meeting, leading green campaigner Beverley Moy said: "It's what we expected, but we're continuing our battle."

The group, which raised a 3,000-name petition and went to London to put its case to a Government committee, is holding an open meeting at Holy Family Church hall, Links Road, on May 12, 8pm, and is appealing for funds to continue its campaign. Call (01253) 351765 for more details.

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