FEARS are growing that part of Longton's heritage could be lost forever if plans for a new supermarket are given the green light.

Supermarket giant Booths hopes to open a new store on the site of Longton Mansion House, which has been allowed to fall into disrepair over the past decade.

But plans to open the new, 15,000 sq ft supermarket have sparked a storm of protest from locals, who fear this latest development will destroy Longton's village atmosphere.

South Ribble councillor James Breakell has been inundated with calls from concerned residents.

He said: "This will be quite a large store, and there is no doubt it will attract people from outside the area so it will have an impact with the Traffic passing through the village.

"It will the first time a shop has opened away from the central shopping area, which could have an adverse effect on the traders there.

"But the main concern is that Longton has, for a very long time, been a nice village and with the arrival of so many new estates and developments the close community spirit is being lost."

However Coun Breakall added: "I would rather see Mansion House demolished than be allowed to become more dilapidated."

South Ribble MP David Borrow is urging the council to hold a public meeting to allow locals to express their concerns on the proposed supermarket.

He said: "It is vital that local people have the opportunity to voice their many concerns on the issue."

Mr Borrow held a meeting with Booths bosses last Friday.

A spokesman for South Ribble council's planning department said only basic plans had been submitted. He added: "Traffic surveys and tree studies need to be carried out to see what impact such a store would have on the area."

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