PENNINGTON protesters fear a full scale gipsy camp could be set-up near their homes.

And next week Wigan planners will meet to consider their views before commenting on a planning application which has gone before Warrington Council.

Motorway contractor Albert Smith wants to turn stables and grazing land alongside the East Lancashire Road into a "gypsy caravan site for single family accommodation".

He already has permission for caravan hard standing and a stable block.

Concerned residents claim it could be the first step in setting-up a giant gipsy site on the Warrington-Wigan border.

Hope Carr Cllr Brian Jarvis said:"It could well end-up a super site for gipsies on what is supposed to be Green Belt land.

"Residents are objecting. They don't want gipsies near their homes. I will be seeking Warrington's co-operation in preventing that."

A worried Landside man said:"It doesn't say how many caravans there are. Single family accommodation could mean anything up to 12 caravans on a site opposite Colliers Tenement at the bottom of Hand Lane."

Objector Mary Bent told The Journal:"Farmers know the problems gipsies bring. They are a law unto themselves. It's just one problem after another.

"Mr Smith doesn't seem a bad chap but will all the others be the same?"

She estimated the site was about 500 metres south of Leigh Rugby Union Club."

Objectors have until September 12 to make their feelings known to Warrington Council.

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