THE safety of schoolchildren could be put at risk if plans for housing development in Appleton Thorn take shape, according to the director of the group campaigning against the move.

Bloor Homes has held consultations about its proposal to build up to 90 homes on Stretton Road, but a planning application is yet to be submitted.

Janet Henshaw, chairman of Campaign Against Ruining our Environment (CARE), is helping fellow members lead the fight against the move.

"The majority of people here are against it and we are worried about the development happening - there is only a bit of green land left in the centre of the village and we want that to stay," she said.

"A lot of children walk to the bus stop, near where the houses may be built, before school, and there is sometimes some of them spilling onto the road which is dangerous.

"Most families have two cars and so it would mean possibly another 200 cars and so there will be more risk posed."

The group, set up to contest the proposed development, is also wary of other adverse effects the process could have on the area.

"It will just spoil the scene around the place," said Mrs Henshaw.

CARE member Kevin McAloon added: "We really care about this village.

"Maybe Bloor is biding its time on submitting a planning application or maybe they are not, we will have to see."

Despite the pleas by residents in the area, Bloor insist that the move will be beneficial for Appleton Thorn.

“While we are sensitive to the fact that residents are concerned over the loss of a green-field site, this land is currently inaccessible to the public," said strategic land director Mark Waite.

"Our plans provide the opportunity to deliver new accessible green-space for the community, alongside much-needed new homes.

"The development of this site, which has been identified by Warrington Borough Council as suitable for new housing, would help to avoid the need to release other greenfield sites across the borough.”