AN accountant is considering taking legal action to stop a maggot farm opening in his neighbourhood.

Colin Bowers, of Bryn Lea Road, Barrow Bridge, is one of a number of residents campaigning against a move to turn a former garden centre in nearby Bazley Street into the farm.

Bolton Council has received a planning application from a company called Silver Fisheries to change the use of Barrow Bridge Nursery.

Mr Bowers said he would seek legal advice if the plans were approved.

He is considering getting up a petition against the plan and becoming involved in joint action with other residents."I don't know what I will do if this gets approved," he said.

" I think I would take legal advice and I would get together with all the other residents

"I think I would be voting for a different party in the next election, too," he said. "I've spoken to four other residents and they are disgusted at the plans as well," he said.

Mr Bowers, aged 43, fears the smell of maggots would travel for miles around.

He is concerned, too, that the farm could create health problems.

"Maggots feed off rotting flesh and dead animals. The last thing I want is a disgusting stench from a maggot farm," he said.

Since news of the proposals broke, one resident has been delivering leaflets in nearby streets alerting others to the plans.

One Riversleigh Close resident complained that having a maggot farm in the neighbourhood would send house prices plummeting. The plans should not be allowed because the site was in a conservation area, he said.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "We have received a planning application, but have written back to the applicants asking for more information, plans and drawings.

"We are waiting to get those back at the moment. If we do receive them, residents in the area will be consulted."

Agents for Silver Fisheries, Steele Associates of Ramsbottom, said they did not wish to comment.