THE campaign group trying to block moves to turn Drakelow Tunnels into a training centre for the unemployed has received "immense" financial support from worried residents.

An action fund has been set up by The Drakelow Preservation Trust - DPT - to finance the fight against the scheme, proposed by the Birmingham-based charity Jericho Community Project.

The protest group's long-term plan is to buy the complex where aeroplane engines were manufactured during the Second World effort, and open it as a heritage site.

Andy Cox, spokesman for DPT, said: "We have received an immense amount of donations and pledges from people in the community.

"All of us involved have been astounded by the positive reaction. The number of phone calls and emails we have received has been unbelievable.

"We have got a unique opportunity to preserve a fascinating and beautiful site for future generations."

Jericho helps people who face "significant barriers", including ex-offenders, former drug addicts, the homeless and disabled, back into work.

The protesters claim the application is the first phase of a plan to extend the scheme to the rest of the complex.

But Jericho maintains its plans are only to use the entrance of tunnel four to accommodate a maximum of 30 students.

Mick Freer, a member of the newly formed preservation steering group, said it was feared the proposals would damage the ecology and environment.

He explained: "It is a beautiful site that has been taken back by nature and allowed to return to the state it was in before the 40s.

"There cannot be any so-called compromise over the issue on our behalf because it would compromise the future of the site."

"We are not against the idea behind the proposals and if this plan was placed somewhere more suitable then the scheme would be welcomed."

Jericho spokesman Richard Beard stressed the organisation had no clear vision about what might happen on the site in the future.

He explained: "We have been absolutely flabbergasted by the level of public outcry and certain things have been exaggerated to rev up opposition against the scheme and I do not think we are responsible for that.

"I could not say that over a year-and-a-half of discussions an idea to extend the scheme to larger numbers was not suggested in meetings. I can categorically say that using the tunnels for 400 people is not currently part of our plans.

"There is a limited demand for training of this type and we are open to dialogue with any interested parties to discuss positive ideas for how the site could be used in the future."

He added a "masterplan" for the site submitted with the original application had now been removed to avoid "further confusion" and Jericho hoped the date when district councillors make their decision on the tunnels could be deferred to open up the possibility of dialogue with DPT representatives.

Mr Cox confirmed there had been contact with the charity but the group has asked for an agenda before responding.

He added: "Even if the masterplan has been withdrawn from this application it is already in the public domain and it could come back at a later date.

"All we are asking is for the full picture and not a piece-meal application. We believe their position is misleading and inconsistent.

"We are not presenting fiction to the community. Everything is based on fact and presented to residents in an objective way. It is then up to them to make their own minds up."

Another public meeting about the issue is to be held at The Kingsford club in Wolverley on Thursday, February 23 at 7pm. For more information visit www.drakelow.info