People power blocks controversial children's home
RELIEVED neighbours were today celebrating "people power" after plans to build a controversial children's home were dramatically thrown out.
Delighted cheers raised the roof of Blackpool Town Hall as around 100 protesters, who battled against the home for troubled teens being built on Preston New Road, Marton, rejoiced at the sensational council U-turn.
Planning officers had recommended the scheme – to transform a detached house into a facility for six youngsters aged between 11 and 17 – for approval.
But councillors backed residents fears over potential rises in crime and disorder and voted against the plans.
There were 217 individual letters of objection lodged to the council before the meeting.
Campaigners hailed the decision as a "victory for democracy".
The application was lodged by Stockport-based Advanced Childcare, which was to work in conjunction with Blackpool Council.
For the full story - and more on "people power" - see today's Gazette.
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chorley
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
