HEART-SHAPED signs have been erected in protest against plans for thousands of new homes around Westhoughton.

Members of the Hulton Estate Area Residents Together (HEART) group spent the weekend handing out the signs to nearby residents, as they continue to speak out against development plans for the area.

Proposals were revealed earlier this year by Peel Holdings to build 1,200 properties alongside a championship golf course in the historic Hulton Park Estate, in addition to separate plans for a 1,700-home development on land off Chequerbent roundabout.

HEART will be holding a public meeting tomorrow evening, where members hope to further inform residents about the potential developments.

Group secretary Sandra Hesketh said: "Our mission for the weekend was to put up 150 signs in the area.

"We have had fantastic support and we want to make sure our message gets out there.

"People in the area have been really generous with us and we are getting more and more momentum every day.

"What amazes me is that there are still people who aren't aware of the extent of these plans and every meeting we have is about trying to educate people.

"The last meeting we had brought in about 200 people and we have had even more support since then. Hopefully we will get more volunteers to help our campaign and to spread the word."

The meeting will be held at 7pm tomorrow at The Carnegie Hall, Library Street, Westhoughton.

Residents are also being given further opportunities to see the plans proposed for the Chequerbent Roundabout area.

Peel Holdings have organised three drop-in dates to see the plans proposed for land this week.

The exhibition dates are on Friday at the Holiday Inn in Higher Bridge Street, Bolton, from 9am until 1pm and in the Carnegie Hall on the same day at 3pm until 8pm.

The plans will also be on display in Over Hulton Conservative Club in St Helens Road, Bolton, on Saturday from 9am until 2pm.