TOWN Hall chiefs are set to auction a vacant farm on the Smithills estate — prompting fears that other parts of the historic moorland could also be disposed of in a bid to balance the authority’s books.

Smithills Moor was the site of a mass trespass in 1896 when thousands of Boltonians marched onto the estate to reclaim it as public land.

It came after owner Colonel Richard Henry Ainsworth erected gates across access roads, fixed “Trespassers will be prosecuted”

signs and hired men to warn people off the property.

Now the local authority is planning to sell off part of the estate — though it stressed that would not include protected moorland.

However ecologist Dr Richard Burkmar, who lives in Horwich, has written to Smithills Cllr Roger Hayes asking for his support in protecting the moorland from future sale.

He said: “There are few areas of natural beauty in Bolton to match that of Smithills Moor.

“Beginning with the mass trespasses of the late 19th century, Boltonians have worked hard to safeguard the future of Smithills Moor and their access to it. Bolton Council’s ownership and stewardship of the land is regarded as the main plank of those efforts.

“I understand the need for the council to improve the balance sheet but I strongly caution against taking a short-term approach to this.”

Cllr Hayes said: “The moorland is protected and is an area of special landscape value. I wouldn’t be against the buildings being used as long as there is tight control and they are only used for agricultural purposes.”

Conservative leader Cllr John Walsh said he would welcome a debate on the future of the estate.

He said: “I think a lot of the farm buildings within the estate could provide an income for the council and be in a lot better condition than they are now under council ownership.”

A council spokesman said: “The council is shortly intending to sell a vacant council-owned farm in Smithills by way of tender, but this will not include any land comprising the high moorland.”