CAMPAIGNERS fighting to preserve the green and pleasant lands around Colne are set to receive some superstar backing.

Burnley-born Bobby Elliott, drummer with The Hollies, has agreed to stage a blues and rock evening in aid of Lidgett and Beyond, the countryside pressure group battling plans to redevelop The Rough, on the outskirts of the town.

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And the 74-year-old rock legend has secured the services of Danny Handley, the Colne guitarist who has been playing with The Animals for the past seven years, for the show on Saturday at Cafe Cargo in Foulridge.

Next Tuesday the planning appeal into proposals to construct 270 homes, on land at the location, on behalf of Junction Property Ltd, will begin at Nelson Town Hall.

An appeal has been made for at least one evening sitting during the planned eight days of the proceedings, to allow working members the opportunity to make representations.

One of the fundraiser organisers, John Birchenough, said: “Bobby is one of our supporters and he has pulled this band together for us, which will also include a saxophonist and Glenn South as compere.

“Tickets are already going well and we are confident that it will be a great evening.

“This is the latest in a long line of fundraisers, as we’ve had a garden party, a wine tasting night at the Lakeside Cafe and a whisky tasting evening at The Emmott Arms.”

L&B is already registered as a charity and has produced its own range of merchandise, including calendars, to support their cause.

Meanwhile the applicant has drawn up a 20-page defence of its plans for The Rough, ahead of the appeal.

Planning consultant Michael Courcier said: “This will demonstrate that the site occupies a potentially sustainable location, where key facilities and services and employment areas can be accessed via non-car modes of transport.”

The development was rejected by the Colne area committee of Pendle Council on the grounds it would lead to the unacceptable loss of a prominent greenfield site.

For tickets to the Cafe Cargo gig, which begins at 7.30pm either call David Cockburn-Price on 07801 468303 or John Blades on 07703 389712.