CAMPAIGNING residents have lost a fight against a second-hand car dealership being established on the Nelson-Brierfield border.

People living near to the former Planet Conservatories outlet in Colne Road fear the operation will only increase traffic problems on the A682.

But councillors were content that the application, by Bashir Bhatti, to sell up to 14 cars there, would aid regeneration efforts.

Peter Forster, residents spokesman, said: “This road is extremely busy, especially at peak times, when traffic can build up towards Nelson.

“There have been a number of accidents on this road already this year and this would only exacerbate that.”

Coun Kath Shorey added: “I think that this is just in the wrong place. I think that this is a death trap without putting another 14 cars there.”

But Coun Mohammed Iqbal said the dealership would not be an ‘Arthur Daley’ style of operation but offer quality second-hand vehicles.

The same dealer already had a similar venture in the Clitheroe Road area of Brierfield.

“The council has spent thousands of bringing houses and the environment in this area and the last thing we would want to do is affect that,” he added.

“I don’t believe that would be the case, having looked at the application in detail.”

Coun Nadeem Ahmed said the county council’s highways department had also raised no concerns about the bid.

The same building was formerly known as the Wagon and Horses pub, until it closed down around four years ago.