We are urging residents and businesses to voice their objections in order to add weight to our arguments

Les Abernethy West Lancs District Council

Another possible location is in the Speke area of Liverpool, on a site regarded as vital to the regeneration of the city.

Officials are also examining three sites near Stansted Aiport in Essex.

A Home Office spokeswoman said that four removal centres must be created by early next year but that sites other than the five currently being considered may be used.

The campaign to block the proposals in Skelmersdale has the support of all the political groups on the council.

'Jobs threatened'

Local Labour MP Colin Pickthall met Home Secretary David Blunkett last week, who promised he would look into it the matter.

The council's deputy chief executive, Les Abertnethy, said: "We are preparing a dossier of evidence to present to the home secretary to show that Skelmersdale is the wrong place for a removal centre.

"We are urging residents and businesses to voice their objections in order to add weight to our arguments."

The council argues that the site is too close to homes and schools.

It also believes jobs and investment in the town would be threatened.

'Nothing decided'

Similar centres already operate near Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

The Yarl's Wood Detention Centre near Bedford was partially destroyed by fire earlier this month after rioting broke out.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office insisted the location of the sites was still being discussed.

She said: "These locations have only been identified as potential sites and nothing has been decided."