A councillor has urged Leigh residents to fight tooth and nail against new developments changing the face of the area.

Jim Clinkscales, Lib Dem councillor for Blenheim park, told residents concerned about planning applications to write letters, start petitions and contact their councillors at a meeting of West Leigh Residents Association in Highlands Methodist Church in Olive Avenue, Leigh, last night.

He said councillors could only do their task if people brought their concerns to them. "As councillors we react to people power because we are put in by people," he said.

"We are all concerned about Leigh. We think Leigh has had enough development. Parking is a major problem. Leigh is being targeted because Leigh is desirable, it's trendy. We've got to prevent overdevelopment."

He said there was a problem with properties being bought to serve as second homes. He said: "It's got to benefit the town and the residents. If it's not being used, it's not benefitting the town. Amenities is the keyword."

Published Friday September 3, 2004

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