RESIDENTS have voiced their opposition to a proposal that could see a patch of Bury Council land being sold or rented.

Last week, The Guide reported how councillors suggested compromising with the owners of the Porada restaurant in Bury New Road, after a disagreement emerged over the land.

Restaurant bosses previously admitted paving over a green area at the junction with Church Lane and using it as a car park, and town hall chiefs have urged them to put the land back how it was.

There has been a stalemate since last February and Whitefield Cllr John Mallon said renting the land to the restaurant might bring an end to the issue.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum at Elms Community Centre in Green Lane, Whitefield, on Tuesday afternoon

Afterwards, Christine North, of Avondale Road, Whitefield, said: "The local residents present at the forum have rejected Cllr Mallon's new proposal and intend to campaign to reinstate the plot of land which has been a local landmark at the heart of Whitefield for decades and more recently served as a gateway to the All Saints Conservation area, along with the plot of land on the other corner.

"This dispute is far from over.

"If the change of use is allowed, it will set a precedent and could lead to further land grabs throughout the borough.

"The council firstly needs to look at alternatives for maintenance of green areas. For example, sponsorship or approaching the voluntary sector."

Mr Khawaja, who owns the restaurant, was unavailable for comment before The Guide went to press.