RAMBLERS have voiced alarm at a possible threat to a treasured walking route through plans to extend the Shuttleworth Mead business park near Padiham.

Campaigners from the Walking for Health group are upset that a stretch of the Padiham Greenway, the former railway bed which has been transformed into a popular stroll through the market town, may be lost.

Land off Blackburn Road and at nearby Eves Barn have been earmarked as potential employment land, under the borough's Local Plan process, which has been the subject of wide-ranging consultations.

Under the umbrella of Padiham Community Action, which has been established to question the extended development, supporters of the walking group have now spoken out.

Gerald Thompson, also an action group member, said: "We feel that that such a proposal will decimate the green belt along the side of the greenway, which has developed into an extremely attractive area."

The Lancashire Telegraph reported last month how residents of Bridge Street were already encountering noise problems with a window firm on the edge of the existing site.

Mr Thompson added: "We have noticed an increase in the natural wildlife along the greenway, taking in the flora and fauna, the bird Life and an increase in fresh water fish that attract fishermen from a wide area.

"Drainage from such sites can only have an adverse effect to the cleanliness of the river. Industrial estates are not known to encourage wildlife."

He is also worried that there will be knock-on effects for the likes of Memorial Park, the nearby cemetery and the River Calder setting, as well as housing off Blackburn Road.

"We're also concerned for the younger generation who frequent this area," he added.

The drive to protect the greenway from development was also taken up by Padiham Green Primary pupils earlier this year and supported by Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle.

"They want to keep Padiham Greenway as it is - a lovely walk, a lovely park and a haven for wildlife. They don’t want industrial units spoiling what they’ve got and I totally agree with them," said the MP.