BOLTON'S Unison branch says it is backing the campaign against £7 m plans to build a new primary school of fields off Captain's Clough Road.

Education bosses say the school will benefit both children and the wider community ­— especially the local sports club.

Land at the junction of Captain's Clough Road and Moss Bank Way in Smithills is being considered as a possible site for the new school to meet demand for school places.

Bolton primary school could be built on fields off Captains Clough Road

New Bolton school bid for playing field leads to protest petition

But nearby residents are worried about the traffic and loss of green space.

Jayne Clarke Assistant Branch Secretary said: “Church Road playing fields are an important green space that have been used for generations. We fully appreciate that Bolton Council needs to plan ahead in terms of school places.

"Local residents will clearly will have real concerns about the loss of green spaces and increased traffic problems. As a trade union we also very concerned about the growth of academy and free schools that are outside local authority control and accountability. We will be raising these concerns with Bolton Council and our local MPs."

Under plans, if the site is approved, it is hoped sports facilities for local people would be improved.