FURIOUS residents attended an emergency meeting this week to fight plans for a new store in Unsworth.

A crowd of more than 200 people packed into Mersey Drive Primary School hall to protest against proposals to build a Co-op store in Parr Lane.

It comes after a planning application was submitted to build a mini-market style store with eight apartments at the former Dragon pub.

At Tuesday’s public meeting, residents and traders discussed how they would fight the plans.

More than 2,000 people have already signed a petition against the development, but those leading the campaign are urging people to make formal objections to Bury Council.

David Lomas, owner of Lomas News in Parr Lane, said: “The meeting got heated at times because people are very passionate about it. This is our only chance to stop it and making objections by either letter or email is the only way.

“But people have to make sure they get the main points across and they are: the health and safety issues; impact on traffic and nearby primary school; extra delivery vehicles; and the added threat of anti-social behaviour from having another store selling alcohol.”

A group called Say NO to the Parr Lane Superstore has gathered nearly 300 members on networking site Facebook.

Ater the meeting, Councillor Joan Grimshaw, who will be making a verbal objection on behalf of residents if the application goes to the planning committee, said: “A number of problems were highlighted such as the size and height of the building and the parking, which is already a problem. It will have a knock-on effect on everyone in the area.”

A total of 35 objections have been made against the application, with one in favour. Residents have until September 30 to make a formal representation.