Landowners hit back as protest splits community

Trevor Jump and his 21-year-old daughter Emma believe the village community will suffer, unless the homes are built.

The Jumps of Old School Lane and other family members living in the village own part of a meadow in Long Lane - the site outlined for development in the first draft of Blackburn Borough Council's district plan.

Miss Jump said: "Although our family owns part of the land, we have not been approached by the council or offered any money, yet we know comments are being made about us.

"We think the protest group is over the top.

"It seems they will not be satisfied until they have no post office facilities and the schools and churches come under threat through lack of support."

The family plan to air their views at a public meeting organised by council planners next week.

Mr Jump said: "Things are quite tense in the village and that's a shame. We are not for the idea purely because we own part of the land.

"We did not ask the council to suggest it but now they have, we think it is a good idea.

"Many people are in agreement. We have to travel to Blackburn for almost everything and want more services in the village."

But Tockholes Village Action Group is adamant they are fighting the council, not individuals.

Spokesman Claudine Willis said: "We don't want any friction in the village. It wouldn't matter what land was in question. We would still fight to stop an estate being built.

"We have found overwhelming support for our campaign. Nobody has said they are in favour of the proposal and the parish council is 100 per cent behind us."

The group is still urging people to register their views on comment forms. More than 80 horseriders have signed and Darwen ramblers will campaign against the development.

A public meeting with borough planners will be held on Monday, March 11 at 7.30pm.

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