PLANS to let a shooting club close to Risley Moss operate three days a week is causing anger among residents who live close by.
Hundreds of homeowners have written to the council to complain about a scheme to allow clay pigeon shooting three days a week at Prospect Farm on Prospect Lane.
The club, which is already legally allowed to operate for 28 days a year, would be permitted to extend its activities.
More than 3,000 homes in Rixton and Birchwood are less than 2km away from the site.
Residents say the noise of guns going off will disturb the peace while there is great concern over the impact on Risley Moss – a nature spot which attracts visitors from miles around.
A previous application for the club to operate six days a week was withdrawn last year.
Clr Russ Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) and Clr Bill Brinksman (LAB – Rixton and Woolston) are objecting to the plans.
Clr Bowden says thousands of leaflets have been printed, informing residents of the plans.
He said: “This site backs on to the main Manchester to Liverpool rail line and the prospect of seeing people with guns on there is odd.
“Imagine night workers or people going about their lives having to listen to guns firing all day.
“People who own land around there are used to quiet.
“And then there is Risley Moss, it is an important ecological area and there is no way of knowing how this will affect it.”
He said he hopes the application will be turned down but added that work has already started with large mounds being built in the area surrounding the land.
Among the many objections already submitted is that of Alison Gregg who has lived in the area for more than 10 years.
She said: “I consider the proposal for this club in an area surrounded by housing and a nature reserve very inappropriate and will disturb the peace and quiet.”
According to the application the new clubhouse could also open on a Saturday.
The application is likely to be decided by councillors in mid to late June.
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