A CLAY pigeon shooting club has been left homeless after Town Hall bosses refused to let it move — 75 yards.

Bolton Council officer Andrew McGlone rejected Bolton Gun Club’s application to move from Reeves house Farm in Westhoughton to a new base nearby, calling the proposal “undesirable and unacceptable”.

In a report, Mr McGlone said the club had not demonstrated special circumstances as to why a clubhouse should be built on greenbelt land. He also cited safety and the impact on neighbours’ lives as reasons to reject the idea.

The club was founded to teach Second World War soldiers to shoot and must move as UK Coal PLC is selling the land it is based on.

Bolton Gun Club had permission to operate for four hours a week at Reeves House Farm and wanted to shoot for 26 hours a week on the new site.

Tracey Hewitt, of Chorley Road, was one of 23 people to object to the plans.

She said: “I support local industry and the creation of jobs but increasing shooting times to 26 hours per week, every week upsets and angers me.”

Paul Bartie, of Chorley Road, added: “We use the footpaths on a daily basis as do numerous other members of the public.

“To have shooting within such a close proximity would be a major health and safety risk.”

Julie Fisher, of Chorley Road, said: “The club members will be wearing ear protectors and go home to peace and quiet after an hour or so, something that will not be afforded to the residents of Chorley Road.”

Alan Gardner, of Chorley Road, added: “I don’t think this has been thought through.”

John Gregory, a farmer of 40 years, of Chorley Road, said: “Livestock will be unsettled by the noise coming from the club. I believe, if startled by the shots, there is potential for them to be harmed should they attempt to escape the field.”

A representative of the club was unavailable for comment.