A dozen locals are behind the 'NO 2 Duchy Park' campaign, which calls on Wyre Council to reject a planning application from the Duchy of Lancaster for a temporary showground which would accommodate the Royal Lancashire Show for the next three years.

The Residents of Barton and Myerscough Action Group was formed after locals raised concerns over the traffic impact the project – at the former Myerscough quarry – might have on the busy A6.

Letters informing residents of the new group, its website www.no2duchypark.org.uk and the ways in which people can put forward their objections to Wyre Council, have been sent to local people.

The group claims the villages of Broughton, Myerscough, Barton and Bilsborrow will suffer, along with motorists who use the A6 regularly.

There will, they say, be a knock on effect for commuters from the Sharoe Green, Fulwood, Ingol and Cottam areas and the proposed diversion route will leave Garstang and various villages including Woodplumpton, Elswick and Ribchester congested.

Campaigner Keith McKernan said: "We would like to direct people to the website to at least raise awareness of the issues and the likely number of people affected. We are also preparing a response to the planning application. That will be submitted before the deadline date of November 28."

A Duchy of Lancaster spokesman said: "The Duchy is doing far more than is required in terms of public consultation over what is only a temporary planning application.

"We will continue to listen to all members of the local community, both those who object to our proposals and those who think it's extremely good for the area, whilst we continue to discuss the proposals with the planning authority.

"If an embryonic objecting group has emerged then we would be delighted to meet with them to listen to their concerns.

"We have launched our own website and would be delighted to hear further comments from supporters, objectors and those who have not yet formed an opinion."