A GROUP of Leyland residents is up in arms over a major international freight terminal and business park planned for Farington.

People living in the avenues off Wheelton Lane fear the development which could bring 4,000 new jobs to the area, will blight their homes with constant noise and light pollution and heavy traffic.

They are also worried about a former land-fill site which would have to be developed which was previously used as a dump for asbestos.

Campaign spokesman Ian Richards, of nearby Windermere Ave, said: "That landfill site received construction and demolition waste, foundry sand and asbestos. Someone even said they had seen canisters of cyanide."

But Lancashire Enterprises which has applied to develop the area, rejected their fears. Spokesperson Andrew Calvert said a detailed study of the environmental impact had found no problems with the land-fill site.

He added that landscaping would curb any additional noise and lighting. He said: "It is the development of an industrial site which has been used for industry for decades. Our aim is to create as many jobs as possible while at the same time keeping any impact on residents to a bare minimum."

Proposals for the site include the closure of Centurion Way which residents fear would force heavy traffic down Wheelton Lane.

Planning sub-committee chairman Tom Hanson said: "Centurion way being closed is the key to the planned site."

And he went on to say there were a number of alternatives to accommodate the additional traffic, including the possible upgrading of Wheelton Lane. He added: "South Ribble Council will protect its residents."

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