RESIDENTS say they are no longer able to enjoy a village green they campaigned to save.

People in Shaftesbury Avenue, Darwen, fought for over a year to reinstate the 222 square metre space opposite their homes after owner Nick Lowe bulldozed the area to build three houses on land nearby.

Now some say they will not allow their children to play games on the green as houses are three feet away, and Blackburn with Darwen Council recently approved Mr Lowe’s plans to build a boundary wall with access gaps to the properties instead of replacing the taller original.

The residents are now considering legal action against the council as they believe the decision has contravened the Commons Act of 2006.

Group spokesman Dean Clarkson, said: “In the planning memo the council stated that having a wall with gaps for access to the properties would not detract from the enjoyment of the village green, but it definitely will.

“I will certainly not allow my children to play right outside somebody’s property, potentially hampering their access or intruding on their privacy.

“This is affecting our enjoyment of the village green.”

The green has been freely used by the community for more than 40 years, with benches, bushes and trees, hosting street parties, barbecues and providing a haven for birds and bats.

Blackburn with Darwen Council was unavailable for comment yesterday.