CHILDREN'S lives could be put at risk when a brand new housing estate is completed in Radcliffe.

That is the fear of 28-year-old resident Bryan Partington, who is appalled with a plan by Barratt Homes to build new houses next to a water-filled area.

The developer has already begun work on the site of the former Radcliffe Paper Mill, off Stand Lane, where more than 100 homes are set to be built.

But Mr Partington, who lives in nearby Hoyle Street, claims it is a potential death trap for youngsters.

He said: "They have filled in a lodge and intend to turn it into a play area and football pitch for local youngsters, but it is just yards away from another lodge, which they intend to leave.

"What could be more dangerous than football, children and a lodge? It's a recipe for disaster," he said. "Barratt has chosen to call this new estate Woodland Chase. They could live up to this name by covering the filled-in area with plants and making it a proper woodland, an area in which people could enjoy relaxing or walking their dogs."

He added: "Surely potential buyers would prefer to live in an area which is a natural site for wildlife, rather than an artificially-produced site.

"A play area is more likely to attract gangs of youths who would probably vandalise the area."

But it is not just the lodge plan that has alarmed Mr Partington. Barratt has also got permission to remove about 100 trees next to the lodge.

"They are going to replant new trees in their place, but I think they should leave the trees as they are.

"No one objects to the building of houses, but I believe Radcliffe should be left with what little is left of its natural environment," said Mr Partington.

Barratt Homes declined to comment.