LAKESIDE residents are urging fellow Congleton people to join their campaign of opposition to a proposed 'office village'.

The southern shore of Astbury Mere is earmarked for office blocks, a health and fitness club, diving school and two houses.

Gladman Developments are behind the scheme, which it claims would lead to the creation of a new urban park for everyone in Congleton to enjoy.

However the plans have sparked anger from people living near the edge of town lake, who have joined forces to block the development.

They say the scheme will ruin the lake's attractiveness as a tranquil retreat where people are able to relax after work or at the weekends.

The development would also increase traffic at the busy junction of Newcastle Road and Padgbury Lane, they claim, and would offer little of benefit to local residents.

Some 80 people voiced their concerns about the proposals at a packed campaign meeting at the Beartown Tap pub in Congleton.

The organisers were surprised and delighted at the numbers who turned up to hear what was planned at the lake, a former sand quarry.

They are hoping for at least 100 people at their next meeting, which is planned for 7.30pm at the New Life Church off West Road on April 25.

They have also posted leaflets through dozens of homes urging people to write to councillors on the borough regulatory committee, which is due to discuss the proposals in the next month.

"We live right on the edge of the mere, and the view was the main reason we bought the house," said Michael Bird from The Mount, one of the campaign leaders.

"We love the peace and quiet, and look across open countryside - it's perfect.

"The mere will not offer the same experience it does today if walkers have to dodge cars and vans while weaving around office blocks.

"There is very strong feeling against the Gladman proposals, which we will do everything we can to oppose."

The office blocks, part of which would extend over the mere supported on stilts, would provide a new HQ for Gladman Homes, together with small office units for rental.

Philip Brown from consultants for the developers said there would be extensive new landscaping and an all weather path providing public access around the lake.

"The circular lakeside walk will become hugely popular, reduce the need to travel to alternative facilities and greatly enhance the amenity value of the mere," he said.

"The application provides a unique opportunity which will encourage employment creation, but will also create a new urban park for all the townspeople to enjoy."

BY IAN ROSS