FAMILIES have launched an avalanche of protest at plans to build an indoor ski slope, hotel and leisure complex on land at the junction of Piele Road and the East Lancs Road, Haydock.

Wigan-based Greenbank Partnerships want to build a dry ski slope and assorted retail outlets, a restaurant and cafe, together with a 104-bed hotel and casino, car park and service area and a new access and roundabout on Piele Road.

But people living nearby claim the development would cause increased traffic and noise.

Lesley Jones, of Peach Grove, said: "If this goes ahead, we will have to put up with lorries at all times of the day and there is no restricted speed limit on the road as it is so it will be even more dangerous to cross.

"The proposed roundabout will also mean more congestion for our estate, as well as increased noise. I also understand that, due to the height of this complex, it would cast a shadow over our estate which I am certainly not happy about."

And Jean Fay, of nearby Ashbury Drive, added: "The complex is going to be about 125 ft tall which is roughly the size of about six houses on top of each other.

"I am very concerned about the potential noise factor this development is bound to cause and we are now urging other residents to object against the plans."

Greenbank Partnerships were unavailable for comment on the development proposals at the time of going to press.