PLANS to erect a “Berlin Wall-style” noise barrier along the M65 have been branded unnecessary.

Highways England is proposing installing a 9ft-high sound barrier between junctions eight and nine in a bid to reduce the impact of motorway noise on nearby homes.

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But residents say the scheme is a waste of money and would have a negative impact on wildlife in the area if a row of 35ft-high trees were removed.

Concerns have also been raised about bat colonies that use the trees for feeding.

Shirley Brown, whose house overlooks the motorway, said it has been there for 33 years and noise has not been an issue.

“The trees are beautiful. They were planted 33-years-ago and the root system holds the bank in place and absorb a lot of exhaust fumes,” she said.

She said the plan originally included installing a metal fence, but this was amended to a green barrier which could mean cutting down the trees that are there now down and planting new ones.

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Hapton Parish Council chairman Tim Birbeck said dozens of residents had told him it was not needed.

He said: “Everybody in Hapton has objected to this.

“They are taking down bushes and planning to build a wall. It will look unsightly.

“People have said to me it will be like the Berlin Wall in the centre of Hapton.” Cllr Joan Lakeland said: “Residents are objecting to spending money when it is not necessary especially when Lancashire is strapped for cash.

“They also like the area as it is because of the trees and undergrowth which is good for wildlife,”

A spokesman for Highways England said it’s proposing to install a sound barrier as part of a £225million government scheme aimed at reducing the impact of motorways on communities.

He said: “Although our consultation with people about the proposal ended on Monday we have yet to assess the results of that and should stress that nNo decision on the proposals has been made.

“We have also reassured people that if a barrier is installed we would carry out an extensive environmental of the area before starting any work.” and we are actually proposing an innovative green ‘living’ noise barrier which would absorb and not merely reflect noise.”