BOLTON MP David Crausby has stated that he has ‘serious concerns’ about plans to build 98 new homes at the Last Drop site in Bromley Cross.

Mr Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, said there are ‘clear issues’ relating to the local infrastructure in the village.

He said: “The trains are often packed during peak times and the roads into Bolton are congested.

“Unless these problems are addressed first, further development will only make the situation worse for local residents.

“I have been working closely with Geoff Knowles, Labour’s council candidate in Bromley Cross.

“We recently took part in a traffic survey on Darwen Road which confirmed that Bromley Cross cannot adequately cope with increased volumes of traffic.”

He added: “We must never be in a rush to build on protected green sites. I am proud of the protections the last Labour Government introduced to preserve this land.

“While I recognise the need to build more homes, the Conservatives’ changes to planning laws have created a rush to build on green spaces rather than revive and regenerate brownfield areas. That should be the priority for any future development.

“I know that local residents feel very strongly about this issue. While I have no power over planning decisions I am always happy to make representations to the council on behalf of any residents who contact me.”

Developer Jones Homes is behind the controversial scheme, which if approved will result in the 98 homes being built on green land close to the Last Drop Village Hotel and leisure complex off Hospital Road.

The company said the development will ‘complement and strengthen’ the village concept.

A recent meeting organised for local residents objecting to the scheme had to be split across two separate venues because of the huge numbers of people that attended.

A decision will be made next month.