CAMPAIGNERS are fighting on in their battle to stop new houses being built on allotments in Baxenden.

Residents and allotment-holders, alarmed at the threatened loss of their 'oasis' want allotment land at Hill Street put back into the green belt when a new Hyndburn Local Plan is drawn up.

Following a public meeting last year, a committee has been working behind the scenes to try to challenge the designation of half of Ley allotments as an 'area of special restraint' in the recently adopted plan.

This means the land could be developed after 2006 if there is a need for new housing.

John Griffiths, of the Save Our Allotments group, said the council will start to compile proposals for the Year 2007 and beyond in the Year 2000.

"Our ultimate aim is a firm commitment from the council that at this stage the land will be returned to green belt status," he added. In the meantime, they are pursuing a closer relationship between the council and Baxenden Allotment Society and closer liaison with other groups interested in the development of the area, like Groundwork Trust.

Mr Griffiths said: "We have contacted Groundwork Trust who are responsible for Woodnook Country Park with the proposal that the allotments should be included as a feature of the country park."

Anyone who would like to help in the campaign can contact Mr Griffiths on 01254 236218.

A Hyndburn Council spokesperson said: "A new Borough Plan will be adopted in 2006 and residents will be able to lobby for the site's inclusion in the green belt, which the council will carefully consider."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.