CAMPAIGNERS fighting the proposed Eaves Green link road in Chorley say they are not popping the champagne corks just yet -- despite news that most of Duxbury Woods could be saved.

After an environmental assessment of the proposed route, the local council has amended it so that it now runs out to the edge of the woods, and more into the Vertex centre site, off Little Carr Lane, affecting only one acre of the 130-acre wood.

Protesters welcomed the news, but they said it is still not good enough. They investigated housing, population, traffic and employment to back up their claims that the road is not necessary, and they have vowed to keep fighting it.

Keep the Peace spokesman Geoff Goodspeed said: "It is good news, and it is a step in the right direction. But it doesn't go anywhere like far enough and our fight continues.

Councillor Dennis Edgerley, the council's executive member for planning, said the council were listening to the public, and the environmental assessment reflected that. "The environmental Statement now considers other options and includes many changes designed to reduce impacts and maximise the benefits of the road.

"We have listened to the many and varied views of local people," he added.

And the council has decided it won't make a planning application for the road until the Local Plan Public Inquiry has taken place, in mid-June, he said.

You can see copies of the Environmental Statement at the council offices on Gillibrand Street, Chorley and Central Library, Union Street, Chorley. Comments on the statement can be sent to independent consultants Scott Wilson, 46 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7EY, by Friday April 6.