By RACHEL SPENCER

HUNDREDS of Lymm residents, who are fighting against development, took to the streets on Saturday in an hour of protest which brought the village to a standstill.

The demonstration saw 250 drivers, with their cars covered in red flags and balloons, forming a slow convoy to show the anger that is rising against developers who are cashing in on land in the village.

More than 30 officers from Warrington police were drafted in on rest days to man the streets during the peaceful protest, which culminated in drivers storming the village centre, sounding their horns and waving red ribbons.

Disgruntled residents mobilised the fuel blockade-style demonstration to show developers what the village will be like if they carry on building more homes.

Even more villagers took to the streets on foot to show their feelings and Warrington's Mayor, Clr Sheila Woodyatt, cheered the protesters to show her support as they passed her Oughtrington home.

Organiser Andrew Wilson has hailed the protest as a massive success.

He said: "I feel very strongly that Warrington Borough Council has a responsibility to residents' concerns and we have demonstrated today that there is something to be heard.

"If they don't listen they are going against the wishes of the people who pay the rates. In the past they could say they didn't realise how people felt. Now if they knowingly ignore it, there has to be a reason."

In response to the demonstration, a Warrington Borough Council spokesman said: "There is a view that Lymm is taking too much development and, as part of the planning procedure, we ensure we take on board all views.

"As with all areas of Warrington, Lymm's future role in satisfying Warrington's overall housing needs will be resolved through the Unitary Development Plan (UDP)."

More than 300 villagers are expected at a borough council meeting on Wednesday, January 31, when plans to build 270 houses in Lymm will be discussed.