THE Friends of Rivington pressure group has been relaunched to fight the Lever Park Bill.

The group was revived at a meeting in Horwich on Tuesday, attended by locals and people from Westhoughton, Anderton and Adlington.

It was organised by Mark Perks, one of the members who led a successful campaign against similar plans put forward by NW Water in 1989.

Mr Perks has also lodged a petition against the Bill at the Commons. Mr Perks, the group's secretary, said members felt consultation had been non-existent and that local councillors and NWW had let them down by not holding a public meeting. He said: " Feelings are running extremely high in Horwich against the proposed Bill.

"This meeting has been the first one that actually allowed people to find out what is going on. We now intend to invite officers from local authorities and NWW to future meetings."

One of the group's first intentions is to write and object to planning applications which are now before Chorley council.

The group is also to lobby MPs to bring the Commons "Opposed Bill Committee" to Rivington.

Anyone wishing to join the Friends of Rivington should contact Mr Perks on 01204 468563.

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