CAMPAIGNERS against the development of Cranberry Moor have urged Blackburn with Darwen Council to step in after what they describe as 'destruction' of the vegetation.

Protesters want to prevent farm owners Elaine Marsden and Duncan Bell from turning the land into an activity centre for horse riding and quad biking.

But they said they saw a tractor on a section of moor owned by the couple this week.

An application for planning permission was recently deferred to allow for an environmental assessment but neighbours claim the couple have gone ahead and destroyed a section of the moor anyway.

But the council has defended the action after an officer visited the site.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, said: "The owner of the moor is cutting back vegetation and grasses to encourage new growth and support grazing.

"Representatives from the council will be meeting Janet Anderson MP and residents later this week to see if there is any way we can bring about an amicable solution for all parties."

Peter Hodgson, of Tower View, said: "It looks like a World War One battlefield now. It's just a muddy mass for about three or four acres."

Linda Ryan, of Cranberry Fold Court, said: "It has destroyed the vegetation and wildlife. It's very disappointing."

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside was informed today that the owner of Cranberry Moor Biological Heritage Site had begun work on it.

Conservation officer, David Dunlop, said: "If this is true, it's a sad indictment of the low value, as a society, that we place on our wildlife and wild places.

Mr Bell refused to comment.