RESIDENTS have vowed to fight a Government-funded housing scheme as consultation work continues.

Pendle Council’s development arm Liberata last week held drop-in events seeking residents views on the proposed design of housing planned for the Further Clough Head site in Nelson.

But people living nearby fear the 200 homes planned for the site will make roads unsafe, while concerns were also raised about the strain on GP services and schools as well as the impact on wildlife.

In May, more than £1 million in government funding was handed out to help build 200 new homes in Pendle.

Homes England confirmed Pendle Council was awarded £1,149,808 to help bring forward the redevelopment of the Further Clough Head site, which already has outline planning permission for 200 homes.

The announcement was part of funding deals with 12 local authorities to deliver 4,000 homes across England.

Margaret Forrester Atilgan, who lives near the proposed site which rolls down from the end of Marsden Road South to Windsor Street and the Valley Mills allotments, said: "The drop-in event was quite lively - there were people there from the start right through to 8pm and I don't think there was a single person there in support of the plan.

"There are sinkholes all over the site.

"The event was about letting us see the design of the houses and plans but the people presenting it said the designs were not firm and it was a changeable plan.

"They were very much in the modern pre-fab style so they can be built as quickly as possible.

"One of the things we will be basing our objections on is road safety - it's going to be a big issue.

"A lot of children use the paths and cross the road and the extra traffic would make the road dangerous."

Detailed plans for the development are yet to be lodged and an application will be submitted to Pendle Council in the near future.