CAMPAIGNERS are hoping to protect footpaths through an urban oasis after fears land could be fenced off.

Plantation Waters, a much-loved green space in the heart of Accrington, was last year auctioned off to a private owner.

The wildlife haven, near terraced streets, was formerly owned by United Utilities and includes two former reservoirs that once served the town.

The spot, accessed by a public footpath off Plantation Road, is popular with families and walkers.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that the site’s unidentified new owner approached Hyndburn Council to request buying more land, with the aim of fencing the area off.

Local councillors and residents’ groups fear the site’s footpaths are unprotected as they are not officially listed, despite being used as a right of way for generations.

Hyndburn Council said it would keep two reservoirs further downhill and open to the public.

Coun Wendy Dwyer, who is leading a bid to have the footpaths protected with fellow ward councillor June Harrison, said: “I feel very passionately about this because the nearby wards are densely filled with terraced streets.

For generations, people have been able to take a five minute walk and it’s like you’re in open countryside. The last thing we want is fences going up in such a beautiful area.”

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “The council-owned land will remain accessible and I support Coun Dwer’s bid to see if the footpaths can be officially protected.”

Ward councillors and residents’ group The Friends of Arden Hall and the Coppice are now submitting a bid to have the footpaths officially recognised by Lancashire County Council to preserve access.

A spokesman for United Utilities said that had the company kept and maintained the site for its former use it would have ‘seen water bills rocket’.