RURAL parts of Burnley and Pendle and the birds and animals that live there are to be protected from harmful developments under a new deal.

The south Pennine moors have been named a Special Protection Area (SPA), which means the authorities in those areas will work together to stop the countryside being spoiled.

The agreement should help to maintain the moors as a habitat for internationally important wildlife.

"So far we have been in the shadow of the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales," said Dr Lawrence Jones-Walters, of English Nature, at the signing of the SPA agreement at Towneley Hall.

"But we have to ensure that our unique mix of habitats can continue to co-exist with the pressure for development, transport and jobs."

Local councils for the region have come together under the umbrella organisation SCOSPA - the Standing Conference of South Pennine Authorities. Decisions on planning applications in the protection area should now take note of its special status.

Pendle councillors Roger Abbiss (Labour) and Shelagh Derwent (Conservative) issued a joined statement after the signing: "We pledge that we will work together to preserve our rural Pennine heritage and wildlife habitat.

"The memorandum we have signed will serve us and our children well for years to come."

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