A GROUP of Leyland residents say the value of their homes is set to plummet if plans to expand Runshaw College get the go-ahead.

More than 400 people living on Langdale Road and the Worden Park estate complained extra classrooms and nearly 200 parking spaces on the campus would ruin their surroundings.

They have formed an action committee and approached the council to try to scupper the plans.

The group complained about vibrations from buses and college traffic which it says have already damaged house foundations along Langdale Road.

A spokesman said: "We understand Runshaw College is growing but who's going to buy homes here when they see how busy the roads get and how noisy it is. The roads on Runshaw Hall Lane, Langdale Road and Worden Lane aren't designed to take lots of traffic. And more traffic means more pollution."

Jim Smith of Runshaw College said: "We want to be friendly neighbours and that's why we invited the residents to the meeting two weeks ago. But only 69 people out of a possible 630 turned up which shows the low level of concern about of plans.

"There will be an improvement to any perceived traffic congestion. All the buses will turn off Langdale Road and into our planned lay-by and the bus stop will be moved onto college land."

Councillors will consider the plans at a meeting on Wednesday next week (April 17).

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