RESIDENTS are campaigning to stop part of a local wildlife haven being bulldozed.

Householders in Brownlow Street, Shadsworth, Blackburn, were horrified when they discovered that an application had been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council for a drive at a nearby home. They claim it will lead to the loss of several trees.

They have signed a petition, backed by Shadsworth ward councillors Michael Madigan and Anthony Humphrys, opposing the plan.

Ken Earnshaw, who lives in Brownlow Street, said: "If this move is granted it will be the first of many homes to have drives and will ultimately mean the loss of all the trees and the green space. "The loss of these trees will greatly affect the environment. They bring a lot of wildlife into the crescent, including squirrels. On a summer's day it is a picture. People often comment on how beautiful it is.

"People on this street have been looking after these trees for over 30 years. There are always appeals for people to plant trees yet the council could destroy these trees on a whim for a drive."

A report to tonight's highways and transportation sub-committee recommends the proposal is refused.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council confirmed that an application had been received for a drive at the rear of a home in Tarbert Crescent, which backs on to Brownlow Street cul-de-sac.

The report says there are no highway problems with the drive's construction, but it adds that one tree would possibly have to be removed. That could cause root damage to adjoining trees.

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