PLANS to build a paint factory have sparked fury from local residents who are worried about traffic dangers for children attending a primary school.

Linemark, a sign manufacturer based at Bengate Works in Haslingden, has applied to build industrial premises on land adjoining Rising Bridge Inn and Blackburn Road in Rising Bridge, Haslingden.

Councillors at tonight's development control meeting at Rawtenstall Town Hall will be recommended to approve the scheme.

Barbara Harrison, 54, of Rising Bridge Road, Haslingden, lives near to where the factory is planned.

She said between 200 and 300 neighbours have signed two petitions in objection to the plans.

Barbara said: "The road is already very busy with Hollands Pies wagons going up and down and parking on the corners to pay in at the post office.

"We really do fear for the safety of children who walk along that road to go to Stonefold Primary School because the extra traffic will eventually cause problems and could lead to accidents."

But the Commercial Director of Linemark UK Limited, Tony Holt, has defended the plans to set up shop in the village. He said: "We have been in Haslingden near to the Woolpack pub for five years and have never received one complaint from local residents.

"We make paints for school football pitches and premiership football pitches, which are non-hazardous.

"We employ 13 local people which is not going to create vast amounts of traffic and only rent the spot we are at now. We have been given until October to find somewhere else to move because the premises are being demolished.

"We want to stay in the valley and want the residents to work with us not against us. We sent letters to 33 homes in the area explaining who we are and what we do. We even invited residents to come and visit our friendly work place but as yet nobody has been."

Blackburn Road residents Eileen Read, 55, who will be voicing her objections at the meeting said: "The main concern is how much busier the roads are going to be, especially the one leading up to the school.

"We are worried about pollution and toxic fumes which could come in the future even though we have been told that there will be no toxic fumes. Our views of the countryside will also be spoilt.

"There are industrial estates nearby which have spaces for this kind of thing, so why don't they go there?"