A COUNTRYSIDE lobbying group has backed villagers fighting plans to turn Drakelow Tunnels into a training centre for unemployed people.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England - CPRE - has pledged its support to Wolverley residents who are against the scheme proposed by Birmingham-based, Jericho Community Project.

Albert Ward, a member of the Wyre Forest group of CPRE, said: "We were approached by residents with the applications and paperwork last week. We are opposed to the scheme, primarily because it would be built on greenbelt land.

"It is our view it should not be built there."

Protesters will be rattling buckets for the campaign tonight outside Wolverley Memorial Hall, where a public meeting about the proposals is being held at 7.30pm.