THE demolition of derelict Huncoat Power Station has done little to calm campaigning locals.

After a long-running dispute over the site ownership, National Power has agreed to flatten the eyesore by September this year.

The land - and a neighbouring 10-hectare green plot - is pinpointed for employment purposes in the local plan.

But the Friends of Huncoat action group say Hyndburn Council should now maintain the green area - which they believe was added to the development package to attract investors.

The group's spokesman Ian McCann said: "We are pleased that the power station is finally being demolished.

"But we believe that this should now free the green area of land, which is also identified as employment purposes.

"It was only included in the first place to make the development package more attractive to outside investors."

He added: "The council would rather see Huncoat over-developed than feel they are missing out on financial gain.

"This plot should be earmarked for leisure - as it was when the £300 million Zeri theme park was on the cards."

Local councillor Malcolm Ranger said: "I am very sympathetic to Mr McCann's views but I think they are his personal opinions, rather than fact.

"The council aims to maintain the green land in Huncoat but the local plan infringes on that.

"All we can do is get the best deal for the locals. Any development will take a long time because there are so many problems with the site, such as access, contamination and reclamation."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope slammed the Friends of Huncoat for their "negative attitude".

He said: "The council has done very well in detangling the power station's complicated history. Most of the green land surrounding the site is contaminated and in need of treatment.

"Development will not only benefit the appearance of the town, it will also provide jobs and boost the local economy."

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