PROTESTERS stopped traffic for 10 minutes in a campaign against plans for homes in their village.

Dozens of Billington residents spent the afternoon displaying placards at the proposed site, near the railway bridge, off Whalley Old Road.

The protest follows Holden Homes' recent application to Ribble Valley Council for a variation of building consent condition which relates to traffic calming measures. The original building consent was given to the company after they won an appeal to the Government to overturn the council's refusal of consent.

Many of the residents attended a meeting of the council's planning and development committee to hear a debate on the issue.

Councillors decided to adjourn a decision to enable more talks to take place with Holden Homes.

Rosemary Mills, one of the protesters, said: "The protest was a great success.

"The motorists didn't seem to mind being held up and seemed interested in what we were doing.

"The land is is on the edge of green belt and very popular with the community, especially the young people.

"We don't think this area can sustain more homes. There are not enough facilities. "

There was no-one available for comment from Holden Homes.

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