CAMPAIGNERS are stepping up their fight to save Darwen’s heritage and greenbelt land as they lanch a new action group.

Vast areas of land to the east side of the town have been earmarked as potential sites for up to 4,700 homes.

Council officers said the homes are needed in the next 15 years to cope with a growing population.

Now a local historian and councillor have pledged to save the heritage of the town and are calling for more people to join the crusade.

Coun Simon Huggill and Dot Waring, of Holden Fold, say they intend to form a Darwen branch of Civic Voice – a charity aiming to make places more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive.

Coun Huggill, who is a former executive member for housing on Blackburn with Darwen Council and represents the Marsh House ward, said: “If you use the greenbelt land, you will never get it back again.

“Officers shouldn’t impose things on people if they don’t want it. Darwen is a vital market town and we can’t afford to lose the things that give it this character.

“It shouldn’t be allowed to become a dormitory town for Blackburn.”

Mrs Waring said: “It is a question of looking at planning applications approved by the council and keeping an eye on them to make sure they are following rules and regulations.

“There is very little heritage left in Blackburn and Darwen. It is vitally important to preserve our history for future generations.

"I don’t think we need to build more new properties as we have enough empty houses at the moment which can just be restored.”

Potential land for development in Darwen includes fields off Pole Lane, green space between Cranberry Lane and Roman Road, land around Jack Keys Farm and Jack Keys Estate, fields around Clearwater Village, and Ellison Fold, which contains mine shafts.