RESIDENTS in Hale are slamming plans to convert a landmark pub in the village into flats.

The Bleeding Wolf pub and Wolf Garage are threatened by a development scheme for the Ashley Road site.

Developers have put in a planning application for a 34-apartment complex that would mean converting the pub and adjoining garage into flats, with two other blocks of flats built on the land.

Resident Simon Parums, from nearby Nursery Avenue, launched a campaign to block the 'monstrous' scheme after reading about the plans in SAM. He delivered 200 letters to his neighbours' homes in the area asking for their support - and within 24 hours had dozens of telephone calls offering help.

More than 100 residents have signed a petition calling for the proposal to be blocked.

Simon said: "The strength of feeling against this proposal is enormous.

"If the developers win we will see a landmark building and a focal point for the 'Wolf end' of Hale disappear, to be replaced with yet more faceless flats that go no way towards enhancing the character of our village, or being a necessary part of any housing plan.

"Anyone who has visited the Wolf recently will see that it is in need of a facelift - surely a development similar to the Bull's Head in Hale Barns would be preferable to 34 flats.

"The tastefully refurbished Bull's Head provides a focal point for the village that caters for and welcomes families, and young or old clientele."

Parents are worried that the increased traffic generated by the development will add to the road dangers for children in the area.

One mum said: "This development will affect everyone who lives at the Park Road end of Hale, including many families with children who walk across Ashley Road to local primary schools. The junction of Heather Road, Park Road and Ashley Road is already highly dangerous, and the new proposal will make matters much worse, particularly in the mornings."

The scheme has also put a question mark over the future of the Wolf Garage business, which employs 26 people and is the last remaining garage in Hale.

lViews on the scheme - application number H/54494 -should be made in writing to the head of planning and building control, planning and building control services, PO Box 96, Sale Town Hall, Tatton Road, Sale M33 7HU.