A STAGGERING 170 people took part in a protest march calling for a proposed access road across Green Belt land to be axed.

The wet conditions didn't dampen anyone's spirits as residents from Hyndburn and Hapton joined forces to show their anger at the plan.

They were joined by Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, the leader of Hyndburn Council, Councillor Peter Britcliffe, various councillors and even 15 horse-riders last Saturday morning.

Lancashire County Council has earmarked the former Huncoat Power Station site for a controversial waste technology park.

And under the plan, an access road would need to be created to allow wagons to enter the site.

As the Highways Agency is refusing to create a slip road off the M65, the access road would cross over Green Belt land near Burnley Lane.

A decision is expected to be taken by Lancashire County Council's Development Control Committee in either November or January.

Louise Burton, a member of Huncoat Voice which organised the protest, said: "I think our concerns have definitely been heard.

"We had 15 horses leading the procession followed by a huge number of residents of all generations, the majority of whom wore bin-liners and chanted: 'No more waste'.

"There was one child carrying a placard with a sad face on it, saying Why Us, and at least 30 other residents carried placards."

The group set off from the Griffin Head pub car park in Burnley Road, and headed towards the exact point where the access road would intersect with Burnley Lane.

Mrs Burton added: "We don't want the decision to be made by the county council, we are asking for a public inquiry where the Government would have the final decision."

Mr Pope said: "I think the demonstration went really well. The turnout was incredibly good and showed the strength of feeling in the village.

"This campaign is about people power and is a healthy sign of democracy.

"I have written to the Planning Minister, asking her to call in the decision in to be made by the Government, as well as trying to organise a meeting with the Roads Minister in the Department of Transport.

"I hope the county council will think again about this proposal."

Councillor Britcliffe said: "Hyndburn cannot be the dumping ground of Lancashire. We have done our share for years with the Whinney Hill tip and will continue to do so. Enough is enough."