A PENSIONER has threatened to chain herself to a tree on land earmarked for development if the sale goes ahead.

Mrs Patricia Bennett a resident of Ashton Lodge - a sheltered housing scheme for the elderly - along with residents of Great Eaves Road is angered by claims that the land behind Ramsbottom swimming baths will be sold.

The council is currently negotiating the sale of the land to Christ Church for their new building and the development of a sports complex.

"I can't understand why they want to build on it in the first place. It seems the council wants to rid us of every little bit of green land there is left and take it away from the public."

Mrs Bennett is one of many residents who have signed a petition opposing the sale of the land.

"If any development goes ahead I will tie myself to the trees," she said.

Bury Council has submitted a bid to the National Lotteries Board to develop the area behind the swimming baths for a hard ball play area with floodlighting.

"Any development is just going to ruin the area, trees will have to be cut down and the area will be taken away from the community."

She fears that development will lead to huge increases in traffic and noise.

"The mess caused by any building will be unbelievable. Where will the lorries park? There just isn't enough room for vehicles we have ambulances and Ring and Ride in and out all the time. Where will they go," said Mrs Bennett.

The proposals regarding the development of the land will be discussed by Bury's planning committee, where objections will be considered.

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