THE residents of Mellor Brook won’t make Thwaites welcome if the brewery moves to the village, local campaigners have said.

Bosses announced in September last year that the firm intends to move to a new site in the Ribble Valley village.

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The news came two and a half years after the initial announcement that the company wanted to move from its iconic Star Brewery in Penny Street, Blackburn.

Now campaigners from the area have spoken out against the move and said that there will be a concerted effort to persuade Thwaites that a change of location is needed.

John Greaves, chairman of the Samlesbury Action Group which also represents Mellor Brook residents, has questioned the proposed site of the new brewery and raised concerns over the impact on the roads around the village.

He said: “The proposed new site which Thwaites are hope to set up is 7.5 acres of historic farm land.

“The history of this area apparently goes back to at least the 13th century and the farm house (which is part of the plans) is a Grade II listed building and is surrounded by mature ancient woodland.

“Would this kind of operation not be better placed on one of our many local brownfield sites?

“All the local road infrastructure surrounding this site has problems. The A59 and the A677 are notorious black spots, very busy roads often blighted by serious accidents.

“However, Branch Road is the link between the two. This road at peak times is very congested.

“Bringing another established business into this area is hardly likely to enhance the lives of the local residents who have chosen to call this area home.

“We will await the submission of Thwaites’s planning application with interest but feel confident that there will be a concerted effort to persuade Thwaites that this is not the best place to relocate to, and would not be made welcome should they choose to ignore our plea.

“There should become a time when we seriously have to protect our green areas for future generations, because if we don’t the only legacy we will leave is concrete.”

Rick Bailey, Daniel Thwaites CEO, said: “Planning is very much in its early stages but we are committed to ensuring that the development is absolutely in keeping with the heritage of this unique site, part of which dates back to 1540.

“We’d like to offer assurance that the new brewery will be sympathetic to Mellor Brook’s original setting and we are proud to be the responsible new custodians of this ancient woodland.

“From the outset We have expressed our strong desire to involve local community groups in the planning process and as soon as we have relevant plans to share, we will do so.”