RESIDENTS campaigning against new developments around Appleton are hoping lottery money will help them keep a piece of greenery for future generations. The campaigners have applied to the Millenium Green fund in an attempt to keep a field off Dale Lane free from the builders.

But they are battling against tight deadlines - developers have already drawn out plans for the site and have put in some drainage.

Sue Ankrah, who is leading the fight from her home on Dale Lane along with fellow campaigner, Julie Kueres, said: "The Commission for New Towns plans to put roads through the field - if it does that, it will take the last patch of green we have."

"We would want to turn it into a beautiful green site, with a play area and butterfly and nature reserve, with peaceful walks to allow people to escape.

"We just feel that the building work around Appleton is getting out of control."

Calling themselves the Cobbs Estate Residents' Group, they have placed a petition in the Londis shop on Bridge Lane and are urging all local people to sign it.

Father George Brown of St Monica's Church, Appleton, said: "I do support this scheme, because I believe it's a step in the right direction.

"It's a venture well worth supporting with an eye to the future, because you can't turn the clock back."

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