Representatives from Defend Lytham, Wesham Action Group, Save Our Moss, Queensway Environmental Defenders, Campaign to Protection Rural England, Lytham St. Annes Civic Society and Concerned Residents of Warton Development met at Lytham YMCA to establish a clear picture of overall development in the borough and to clarify key issues of concern.

The groups, who are worried that Fylde's unique character could be lost by a flood of new proposed housing developments, agreed to form a committee with one member from each group.

The meeting was chaired by Alison Jack of Defend Lytham, who said: "We all have a great wealth of knowledge about the many complex issues involved here and by sharing our strengths we could be a stronger voice at both local and regional level."

A Queensway Envrionmental spokesperson added: "It was very interesting to hear what each of the different groups had to say. It was good to be able to share this information with other groups and we will all go away now and discuss where we can take it from here."

During the meeting it was agreed that while appropriate and sustainable development in the Fylde Coast should be welcomed, several of the current proposed planning developments did not take account of the impact on the local area.

There were particular concerns about the environmental issues and about the possibility of a 'City of Fylde' being formed as new development joins the borough's towns together.

The groups also called for wider debate in the local community about new housing development.