CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a historic park from development travelled to Westminster in a bid to lobby the government.

Representatives from Heart — Hulton Estate Area Residents Together — along with Julia Hulton, a member of the Hulton family, went to London in an attempt to urge Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to “call-in” the planning application to develop a Ryder Cup golf course on Hulton Park after planning chiefs gave property giants Peel the green light to develop the site.

Security issues meant they were turned away and unable to present thousands of postcards signed by local people calling for a public enquiry. They will instead be posted.

Campaigners say that the development will devastate the park and a “public enquiry” should be called because it conflicts with “national policy”.

Sandra Hesketh, secretary of HEART, said Mr Javid’s department had been told about the visit.

She said: “We printed 10,000 postcards, for residents to fill in, asking for the Secretary of State to call-in the decision and hold a Public Enquiry.

“We went to London with half of the postcards but were stopped from hand delivering them.

“We will now post them.

“The trip was not wasted because it shows how determined we are.”

She added: “The council resolved to approve the application by eight votes to seven. All documentation is going to the Secretary of State for his decision.

“The residents are outraged that this historic asset will be stripped. Building the golf course will devastate the rare Park and Garden designed by William Emes in the 18th century.”

She said that the livelihoods of farmers on the land were at risk by the development.

Mrs Hesketh said: “This magical place is a haven for rare creatures, flora and fauna.”

The application is also to build more than 1,000 homes and a luxury hotel complex.

Campaigners say that this will result in the loss of trees and woodland.

They have been backed by celebrated actor Maxine Peake, who used to visit the site a young person.

The development would only go ahead if Peel wins its bid to host the 2026 Ryder Cup, which will be decided next year.