COUNCILLORS have promised that a colony of bats living on a Leyland building site will not disturbed as a new block of flats are erected.

The bats were just one of a number of issues raised at South Ribble Borough Council's development services committee last week, when councillor's discussed plans for New Progress Housing association to build two blocks of flats on land off Dunkirk Lane, Leyland.

The scheme, which will provide interim accommodation for people on New Progress's books, was given the go-ahead subject to several conditions.

A dozen people objected to the plans. Their reasons varied from the destruction of protected trees to fears that the centre will be used to house people on drug rehabilitation.

One resident even wrote to the council, saying the area already suffered from drugs problems, burglaries, fighting and vandalism, citing that this project will 'house more people who are likely to bring more of these sorts of problems into the area'.

Concerns were also raised at the loss of habitat for various species - including the bats.

But at the meeting, council leader Gina Lewis, who represents the Moss Side district of South Ribble, said the bats would be respected.

She said: "Careful consideration will be given to the bats throughout the work to make sure they are not disturbed.

"Some of the trees on the site have had tree protection orders placed on them so they cannot be removed.

"I have been assured that residents have absolutely nothing to fear."

Work will not be allowed to begin on the overgrown site until August 31 if an environmental study shows there is a large bat presence on the site.

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