GOLBORNE'S proposed £60 million business park has been put on hold at the last minute.

Planners should this week have determined an outline application for a 2,000 job industrial complex and hotel at Stone Cross Lane from Trinity Investments Ltd. and David McLean Developments Ltd.

But at the developers' request only a 400,000 square foot distribution unit on the farmland site alongside the East Lancs Road was considered -and approved.

The delay has come because of National Rivers Authority concern about possible pollution and the effect on Millingford Brook and a pond.

Council Leader Peter Smith told planners considering the class B8 unit:"The most important problem we face is unemployment. In the last 25 years major industries have disappeared - we have to create new jobs.

"This is a superb site. We can't afford to turn it down."

Seconding the recommendation Cllr Tom Sherratt said:"At the end of the day I represent a substantial amount of people who are looking for employment. It's becoming quite desperate. I support this idea wholeheartedly."

And Cllr Bernard Holt added:"This is not Green Belt land it is White Land and it and it wouldn't remain in its present state in perpetuity."

Lightshaw Cllr Brian Strett asked for reassurances on behalf of Stone Cross Lane home owners who were concerned about increased heavy traffic and access to the rear of their properties.

And worried local Gloria Howell of Heath Lane said:"Golborne town centre is already like a ghost town. Why not channel energies into bring that up to scratch.

"I'm not convinced it would create anything but menial jobs for local people."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.