A BID to create a new mooring on the Leeds Liverpool Canal along Burnley’s famous Straight Mile has sparked a row.

John Hughes, of Accri-ngton-based High Brake Property Holdings, wants to fence off a portion of the canal from Lawn Street to Tennis Street.

Land there forms part of the old Bank Hall pit head and proposals for a landing stage on the canal above have attracted a number of letters from neighbours and a 28-signature protest petition.

Residents are chiefly worried about a proposed wall, around the enclosure which may be too high, the potential loss of trees and effects on wildlife, and a proposed access from the Lawn Street end.

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle has also stepped into the debate, raising concerns that the land concerned is highly-valued for its bird life.

Burnley Wildlife Forum has also sent a letter objecting to the proposals, saying the land is a wildlife habitat.

The application will be debated by council members on Thursday.