PLANS to build a church for Jehovah's Witnesses near a Fulwood estate have been slammed by locals.

A site, adjacent to Broughton Tower Way, Fulwood, has been earmarked for the place of worship -- and it looks set to get the green light at a planning meeting this morning.

But residents and local councillors are up in arms, claiming that the community would be better served with a children's play area or community centre, rather than a Jehovah's Witnesses church.

An 'ad hoc' resident's committee was set up to urge the council to reconsider their plans.

One resident wrote to Preston council claiming that the building of a church would devalue property in the area.

Jason Swales, 30, who formed the committee, said: "People on the estate think the land could be put to far better use.

"Years ago it was supposed to be used to build a medical centre, but those plans seem to have been shelved. "There's quite a few kids on this estate and, with increased traffic in the area, our view is that a children's play area would mean they have somewhere safe to go."

He added: "We are also concerned at the level of extra traffic the church would generate. We think it would attract a lot of people from outside the area, especially as it opens quite late at night.

"Everyone has a right to express their views and faiths and our objections are purely on community welfare grounds."

Jason's views have been echoed by Sharoe Green ward councillor Eric Fazackerley.

He added: "When the council conducted their Ten Year Plan for that part of town, the land was supposed to be used for a health centre or surgery. That seems to have been forgotten.

"It seems to me that the estate is very isolated. There's no shops, no phone kiosk and no postbox.

"In my view the community can be better served other than a place of worship."