VILLAGERS are threatening to stage a 'Swampy-style' sit-in to protect the last bit of green in Hawkshaw.

Plans to develop the former Croich Hey elderly persons' home site have been given the go-ahead by council bosses, but residents fear any development of the green belt site will take away the last "green" area in the village.

Bury's planning control sub-committee agreed the site could be used for a range of ideas, from a private house to offices , which will open the way for the site to be sold to a developer.

Council officers have stressed no trees could be cut down without prior consent.

But Mrs Wendy Kenyon of Bolton Road believes the council's assurances are just empty promises.

She said: "The council want to sell the land and we believe they will do anything that quickens their sale, and if that means giving permission to chop down trees, then it will happen."

She added: "We have been given assurances in the past that trees will not be axed but they have been. How does the council expect us to believe them now?"

An ecological survey of the site was carried out by residents to collect evidence that might prevent the development of Croich Hey.

"There is wildlife there, but nothing rare. I was tempted to go and put badgers in the ground to stop any of the land being developed on," said Mrs Kenyon.

"If plans are made to cut any of the trees I will go down to the grounds and stage a sit-in, and I know others who will support me."

A council spokesman said there would be no reason to remove trees, though they would be pruned to improve visibility around the access into the grounds.

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