TWO councillors are appealing to the Huncoat community to take a stand against the council’s proposed new core strategy.

The core strategy document, which is still in the planning process, currently includes proposals to build on the existing greenbelt land in Huncoat – the fields off Bolton Avenue up to Lynwood Road– and for the village to take all the borough industrial developments.

The proposals, which have been put together by Hyndburn Council planners, form part of a document outlining the borough’s 15-year development plan demanded by the Government.

Every council in the country has to provide a core strategy document.

The plans which dramatically affect Huncoat refer to the whole of Hyndburn.

But many residents still feel they have not had their say, even though planners have finished their public consultation.

At Huncoat Area Management Committee last Thursday, one resident said: "I have only known about these plans for a month and that is only because I, like many other people here, received a letter from a local doctor.

"The fields around Bolton Avenue are used all the time by children, dog walkers and walkers and are a real asset to Huncoat.

"This is a dramatic plan and I personally feel we have not had enough notice or information for a decision on this scale to take place."

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition organised by Huncoat Youth Football Club and, due to a response at last week’s meeting, more petitions are going to be taken around the village.

Huncoat ward Councillor Paul Gott said: "I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to sign the petitions or written a letter to the council.

"These plans have still not been passed so now is our chance to make our point of view heard.

"As a community, we are showing the council we are not happy with the plans and that we are willing to fight their decision."

Councillor Gott added that even if these plans are passed by the council, the Government planning inspector for the North West will take the final decision at a planning inquiry, when the public will be invited to attend and give their views.

Councillor Dave Parkins echoed his fellow councillor's words and said: "The more people write to the council and the more signatures the petition gets, the more the council will be forced to listen.

"These plans affect Huncoat as a whole and if we stand together we will be able to make the council listen."

For more information on the Core Strategy Document call the council on 381111.