HUNDREDS of villagers have gone on the march to block proposals that could lead to business park being built near their homes.

More than 250 people from Simister and Bowlee, on the border of Bury and Rochdale, walked through the fields where they say the park could be built.

They say Rochdale council is considering earmarking the land for a possible business park as part of a review of its unitary development plan.

Peter Cowie, who lives in Simister, said: "We think this would be a dire error of judgement.

"The land here is an oasis of green within a few miles of Manchester city centre.

Preserved

"We are here today because we have to show people that this land needs to be preserved."

Adults and children of all ages took part in the march on Saturday, which ended with a public gathering in Rhodes Green.

Banners carried by the protestors said: "say no to the proposed business park" and "save our countryside".

Up to 10 tractors and mechanical diggers led the marchers down a country lane from Simister, where they were met by a large gathering of protestors from Bowlee.

The marchers were followed by more than a dozen horse riders.

Graham Trousdale, from Bowlee, said: "There is no need for a business park around here.

"There are at least seven in this area already. We haven't got enough green land as it is and people shouldn't be trying to destroy it."

Another protester, Patricia Finnerty said: "I moved here in 1996 because I wanted to be close to the countryside. I wouldn't like to live next to a business park. If it goes ahead we will be swamped by traffic.

"We're not going to take it. We want to let people know that we are fighting against it."

The Simister Village Community Association is backing the protesters' campaign.

Mr Cowie said he and other villagers are due to speak at a public inquiry into possible changes to Rochdale's unitary development plan towards the end of April.