DETERMINED villagers have being showing the strength of feeling against a plan to build a large-scale golf course which goes under the spotlight tonight.

A group of Wolverley and Cookley residents have long been against the bid by Derbyshire-based Bloor Holdings to build an 18-hole and nine-hole course with practice area, clubhouse and parking facilities. Chloe Hughes, nine, Keri Kruckow, 11, and Katherine Biggs, 11, are determined not to be bunkered over the golf course bid.

They say the proposed site at Lea Castle Farm in Wolverley is totally unacceptable for the plan, which has been resubmitted for consideration by Wyre Forest District Council planning (development control) committee.

The campaigning group against the course fear youngsters using footpaths which pass through the site will be hit by golf balls in mid-air if the application, which was first refused in March last year, is granted.

To highlight their concerns children and their parents gathered near the site to don safety helmets.

The villagers also believe the course will cause a dangerous increase in traffic using nearby Castle Road and a harmful effect on wildlife and ecology.

Group spokesman Kevin Oliver said: "Many children use the footpaths across the proposed course on their way to and from schools.

"At a time when we should be encouraging our children to be walking or cycling more for their health, this proposal can only deter them from doing so."