A community group is seeking ‘legal advice’ on how to block a council proposal to create a permanent traveller site.

The Rising Bridge Community group, which has ballooned to almost 800 members, is opposed to the Rossendale council proposal to create a site for travellers on land off Blackburn Road in Rising Bridge.

The group has leafleted 2,000 homes and has set up a petitioning website outlining 12 reasons for its opposition.

The main reasons for opposition include that the site is used by wildlife, is greenfield and that parking will become a problem if the site goes ahead.

A group spokesman said: “We are in the process of seeking legal advice.

“We aim to deliver information to as many residents as possible in the coming week.”

The traveller site in Rising Bridge is one of three currently proposed in Rossendale and forms part of the council’s Lives and Landscapes plan.

The traveller element of the strategy was adopted in 2011 after a study by Salford University recommended the need for five permanent pitches.

The community group website can be found via www.rising-bridge.co.uk .

The plans have been defended by The Friends, Families and Travellers group.