RESIDENTS who tried to stop a workmen's compound being set up near a Bolton primary school have lost their fight.

Bolton Council has given the go-ahead to contractors for North West Water - despite warnings from local people that the work will put children at risk and increase traffic.

A compound next to St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School on Eastbourne Grove, Heaton is to be set up before work starts on a major scheme to combat flooding in the neighbourhood.

The plans have however been scaled down according to Bolton's head of planning control, Howard Barritt.

It is estimated that no more than six HGVs, two or three excavators and personal cars will use the temporary site for no more than 30 weeks, from October 20.

The site - which is to be fenced off - consists of part of the school car park, and an area of unsurfaced land. Temporary provision will be made for pedestrian access to the school.

But angry Mr Carlton Stilwell, of Lowndes Street, Heaton, said his main concern is for the safety of St Thomas of Canterbury's and after school club pupils, Rainbow Nursery children and those looked after by his wife, a registered child minder.

Mr Stilwell, who has sent a petition with around 130 signatures to Bolton Council, said he found the decision "unbelievable".

"There will be a lot of heavy goods vehicles. It's ridiculous," he said.

The headteacher of St Thomas of Canterbury, Peter Demsey, also said he was concerned about the heavy lorries and traffic congestion near the school. He said Mr Stilwell's petition had a lot of support from parents.

Mr Barritt said that the decision to allow the temporary enclosure was taken by the council after a site visit.

He said that it was accepted that residents "would not be pleased".

But he added that the committee thought that "on balance" they ought to approve the application.

"The engineer said it would take about 20 to 22 weeks.

"About 10 to 12 properties flooded in that immediate area, and sewers have to be increased in size to take away this flooding problem."

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