THE fight to save the green pastures of Pennington has come down to history and heritage.

And campaigner Dorothy Galvin is pinning her final hopes on a village green.

Plans to build 38 houses on the Wesley Guild field just off St Helens Road, Leigh, have reached a critical stage. But residents around Beech Walk refuse to throw up the white flag of surrender.

"We battle on," vowed Dorothy, who has lived in a detached Victorian house on Beech Crescent since the 70s.

Residents are still endeavouring to prove the field, adjoining Leigh Cricket Club, is a designated recreation area - "In other words, a village green," said Dorothy.

"The land was sold to the council in 1925, and we believe it was with the express wish it be used as a leisure area.

"Over the years we have seen rugby and football played regularly there. Youngsters often come down to kick a ball about, even to practice their golf."

But photographic evidence is urgently needed to add weight to the words.

"We are looking for any pictures over the last 70 years which show Wesley Guild as a sports and leisure ground...the village green," added Dorothy.

Norman Sharrock, of Beech Drive, Leigh, has written to the Metro's planning department with his objections to the plan.

He has been a member of the Leigh Wesleyan (now Methodist) Church in King Street for more than 60 years.

And he writes: "I am sure the officials of the church did not in the sale envisage the land to be used to build dwelling houses.

"On a personal note, I spent many happy hours playing cricket on that field, as did my relatives before me."

Much hope had been placed on Leigh RU, who had led the battle for the area to be recognized as a village green.

But Wigan Metro confirmed the club, which has been offered pitches elsewhere in Pennington, was not proceeding.

A council spokesman said: "Outline planning permission has been given but we are anticipating another application for continued use of the area as a village green."

Dorothy added: "It would be tragic if Leigh RU club gave up their fight for the use of the Wesley Guild field because of financial strain.

"Having been offered a piece of land they perhaps had no alternative.

"But many people had pinned their hopes on them."

RESIDENTS will hear at a public meeting from campaigning councillor Brian Jarvis about the two and a half year fight to save Wesley Guild.

The meeting at Leigh Town Hall starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 12. Also at the meeting will be Deputy Council Leader Tom Sherratt.

"Everyone is welcome. We will be telling the residents what we've been trying to do for them over the last couple of years," said Cllr Jarvis.

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