CAMPAIGNERS have stepped up their fight to stop 250 homes being built on a popular recreation ground.

Another petition with 605 signatures together with letters of objection were delivered to Bolton Town Hall to highlight the strength of feeling against the development in Eldercot Road, in Daubhill.

Campaigners say that the development of the site would lead to the loss of sporting facilities and harm the community spirit if the Hulton Lane Clubroom was lost, which is used by local residents and rounders teams.

And they say more people are coming forward to back their fight as awareness of the development increases.

Mike Manville, Chairman of Hulton Community Action Group, said: "The social value needs to be considered, it is enormous,

"For example a young girl has written in a letter of objection. She is in a wheelchair and has made friends and socialises just through watching the rounders teams play. Without this she would still feel isolated."

Dawn Wallbank, who presented the petition signed by members of rounders teams, said: "To lose this field would be devastating for the rounders teams. The pavilion acts as a community hub and is used by people of all ages."

The campaign is being backed by Cllr Toby Hewitt, who called for more investment in sporting facilities rather than less.

In the past, the ground has been used for archery, rugby and other sports.

He said: "The loss of this space would be keenly felt in the area by the community."

Alan Johnson, of Hulton Community Action Group, said: "We do not have the infrastructure or the services, schools are oversubscribed and residents say they find it difficult to see their doctors.

"There is a huge pressure on services."

Campaigners say that green space is important for people's health and wellbeing.