A POPULAR funfair may have visited Farnworth for the last time after plans were revealed to build modern apartments on the fariground land.

A developer has submited proposals to Bolton Council to build 40 flats near the junction of Longcauseway and Albert Road.

Outline planning permission has been requested to construct the one and two-bedroomed apartments in a two or three-storey building.

The land is owned by Silcock's, a well-known family of showmen who put on fairs around the North-west.

They have been coming to Farnworth for years, and last brought their collection of rides and attractions to the town in November.

The fair, with rides including a big wheel and dodgems attracts crowds of children from the area.

It visits Farnworth four times a year, but there are concerns that it would be unlikely to return if the site is lost to housing.

Kearsley councillor Bill Collision has also expressed concerns that the development could increase traffic at a busy junction. He said: "I've been worried about that area for some time and there's already too many cars whizzing past at Longcauseway and Albert Road."

The development is close to the spot where 13-year-old Carla Bate was killed by a drunken driver last year.

The teenager died of her injuries after being hit by a speeding sports car that mounted the pavement.

The site will cover 0.56 hectares and will include provision for 50 car parking spaces.

An earlier application by the developers was withdrawn after planning bosses raised concerns about the amount of traffic that would be generated by the new housing.

Fears were expressed about the access into Longcauseway and the developers have returned with slightly amended proposals.

The site has also proved an attractive base for travellers who regularly set up camp on the land when the fair is away.

Neighbours have long complained about the rubbish that is left behind by the travellers.

No one was available to comment from Silcock's Fair.