A SECLUDED lodge, described as a wildlife haven, could be under threat from developers.

Star Lodge, linked to the Horwich textile firm Star Vale - which shut two weeks ago with the loss of 65 jobs - could be sold off, owners Whitecroft plc have revealed.

Fearful residents, worried about the environmental effects of losing the lodge, have set up a fighting forum called Friends of Star Lodge.

The determined band of campaigners - involving more than 50 households from Ashness Close, James Street, Merefold and Alderbank - are hoping to save the local beauty spot.

Rumours

Chairman Geoff Miller has lobbied MP Ruth Kelly, land-owners Whitecroft and the environment director for Bolton Council in protest against losing the site.

Rumours that the lodge will be drained and filled-in escalated after residents spotted the fish being netted.

Whitecroft have denied any development plans - but admit they are looking to sell the land. Martyn Ellis, finance director of Wilmslow-based Whitecroft Plc, said: "We have no plans to drain the lodge.

"But it is early days yet.

"The works have only been closed for two weeks and we have not yet made a move.

"But we will probably be looking at selling."

Mr Miller added that the site, which is an industrial development zone on Bolton Council's blueprint Unitary Development Plan, could be re-developed to bring in vital jobs to the area.

But the forum are urging Bolton Council to protect the lodge when they revise the UDP.

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