CAMPAIGNERS fighting to protect battlegrounds from developers have been in Bolton to drum up support.

Members of The Battlefields Trust, a national registered charity, were urging Saturday shoppers in Victoria Square to sign their petition.

Kieran Moffatt, from Leigh, and fellow members were collecting signatures to fight controversial plans to develop part of the Tewkesbury War of the Roses battle site between Gloucester and Hereford.

Kieran said: "We are getting a very positive response from the people of Bolton.

"I think they are concerned about the threat to our heritage by over development." Since the trust was established in 1991 members have compiled a register of over 40 battle sites all over the country.

Members believe the areas should be protected and preserved for future generations at all cost.

English Civil War battlefields in Nantwich and Rowton Heath, Cheshire, are the closest registered sites to Bolton.

Kieran, who collected signatures in Leigh last week, added: "He hope the new Government will take action to preserve these sites under threat.

"Our aims as a trust is to preserve and interpret the battle sites as well as educate the public."

To join The Battlefields Trust or get more information contact co-ordinator, Michael Rayner, at Meadow Cottage, 33 High Green Brooke, Norwich, NR15 1HR.

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