VILLAGE green campaigners have started another process aimed at scuppering Xanadu plans for Leigh.

On Wednesday, Pennington residents applied for village green status for the Xanadu site alongside Atherleigh Way.

Locals claim the site, which includes soccer and rugby pitches, has been used continually by locals for over 20 years for sports and pastimes.

No Xanadu Campaigner Chris Maile told The Journal: "A visit to this site at any time will find a large number of people using the area for a variety of leisure purposes.

"This level of activity makes this site a village green and it must and should be registered under the Commons Registration Act."

The village green registration application has been lodged by locals Alan Whittle, Kay King, Steve Critchley, Graham Connor, Peter Roberts and Geoff Lunt who have received over 100 letters of support.

Mr Maile added: "The significance of this site as a local residential area is monumental in forming the social community spirit of the area.

"Without these fields Pennington would not be what it is today, we must then do all we can to protect this valuable amenity area."

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