COUNCILLORS and MPs have supported residents in a last-ditch attempt to save their ‘village’ green.

Families in the Feniscliffe and Cherry Tree area of Blackburn have been fighting to save a much-used piece of land which has been described as ‘a valuable community asset.’

The green, which has been used as a shared space for over 50 years, has been earmarked for the development of 30 new homes pending approval at a planning meeting tomorrow evening.

In a last bid to save some of the land, spokesman for Feniscliffe Community Group Leigh Keen said: “Everyone in the area is supportive of development on the land, but the council hasn’t consulted residents or considered the impact it will have on our lives.

“Its argument is that we can use nearby Witton Park, but this area is mostly used as football pitches and is inaccessible to older people who will really miss the green.”

The plans for development have been put forward despite the fact that the council has rated the green space as the eighth highest in the borough out of 119 identified Local Green Amenity spaces.

“The council plans to ignore its own supporting evidence and force frail and local pensioners and residents, some of whom have used the green space for over 50 years to have to find alternate places to interact with their neighbours,” Mr Keen added.

The community group is not alone in speaking out about the plans to build on the land. Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and the ward councillor for Meadowhead, Konrad Tapp, are also showing their support.

“The financial benefits to the council in terms of land sale, extra housing and subsequent council tax are small in relation to the overall plan for 30 dwellings, but the impact on the local community will be disastrous,” said Mr Tapp.

Speaking about the planning meeting tomorrow evening, Mr Keen added: “All we ask is that the council defers the decision-making process and consults the people living near the green.”