It was standing room only at Barton Village Hall as 150 locals threw into question the traffic impact the project at the former Myerscough quarry would have on the already busy A6.

The debate ended with Preston Council's leader Ken Hudson standing up and announcing that Preston, as consultees, would be "making very very strong representations to Wyre Council on behalf of the residents with a view to recommending refusal of the scheme."

Last night's special joint meeting of Myerscough, Bilsborrow and Barton Parish Councils gave locals the chance to ask questions.

The panel included representatives from the Duchy of Lancaster Estate, which owns the land, Lancashire Police and the Royal Lancashire Show, which is seeking a new permanent home.

The preliminary plans for a temporary showground for use up to 28 days a year for three years are due to be submitted to Wyre within the next two weeks.

Project director Peter Crompton said they are looking to create a traffic management plan to address the concerns.

Duchy engineer Dave Marginson said: "People come from all around Lancashire, not just all up the A6 from Broughton traffic lights."

But some locals jeered as they heard proposals, which include directing visitors a longer way to the show via the Kirkham junction of the M55 and controlling traffic manually.

Royal Lancashire Show Agricultural chairman Gordon Roberts said they hoped everyone would support the show's new home.

Barton parish councillor David Tomlinson said: "The main concern I think, of most people here today, is the traffic".

White Horse Cottages resident Michael Howarth, whose wife has a business at Broughton traffic lights, asked if her clients would be able to get to her during show days.

Jepps Lane resident Steve Fagg said he feared the temporary plan was "the thin end of the wedge" as it may lead to a "much grander scheme of things probably more likely to be passed".

A "master plan" detailing larger multi-million pound proposals for the 220-acre Duke of Lancaster Park is expected to be submitted to planners mid 2008, following public consultation earmarked for spring.