MILLIONAIRE footballer Ryan Giggs has outraged conservationists with plans to demolish a Victorian mansion.

The Manchester United star has paid £1.9 million for a Victorian home called Silver How in Worsley.

Now he wants to knock it down and put up a modern six bedroom mansion in its place.

Neighbours are upset and say demolishing it would erode the area's character - stressing they have nothing against Giggs and would otherwise welcome him to the area.

The Victorian mansion - said to be haunted - was the home of best selling authoress Mary Wibberley and stands in its own grounds on a private road. Giggs wants to build a modern home complete with indoor swimming pool and gym.

He intends to deck out his new home with every modern luxury. It is believed he will move in with partner Stacey Cooke and their baby daughter Liberty to live a life of luxury away from prying eyes. Only a landmark sun-dial from the original house will remain on the front wall of the new house in Broad Oak Park which overlooks prestigious Worsley Golf Club.

Ian Hastie, aged 67, secretary of Broadoak Resident's Association, said: "Ryan Giggs wanted to put up a very impressive house, but Silver How is the Jewel in the Crown of this area, and it would be a shame to see it go.

"In the real world we'd like to have both houses here. Silver How is a beautiful house, with several bedrooms, reception areas, tapestry on the walls and tales of two ghosts."

"We have no objection to a star like Ryan Giggs coming to this area, and welcome him with open arms. It's quite nice to have a celebrity here."

Stuart Scott, another neighbour, said: "A number of properties are being pulled down in this area, which means that little by little, the character is being eroded."

Silver How, one of the first houses to be built in Broad Oak Park, has been home to several families over the years. The planning department of Salford City Council received a planning application last month from a firm of Manchester architects seeking to demolish Silver How and replace it.

Ryan Giggs' agent, Harry Swailes said his client did not want to comment.