ACTION group members are appealing
for help in ensuring land controversially
earmarked for housing is never built
on.
The action group is growing in support week on
week in its battle to stop the development of
Newpool Meadows in Biddulph.
The land is one of a number of sites earmarked
for affordable housing by Staffordshire Moorlands
District Council.
The plans have sparked mounting opposition
from local people.
They say the land is well used by children and
dog walkers, and is liable to flooding.
The Newpool Meadows Action Group has collected
2,300 names for a petition against the
development of the land.
It has also launched a bid to win village green
status for the site, which would protect it from
development.
It is asking people to complete questionnaires
showing their use of the meadows land over the
last 20 years.
The group is also asking for photographs of the
land being used to back up their case.
The evidence is due to be submitted by the end
of this month to Staffordshire County Council,
which will decide the merits of the village green
application.
The group raised more than £200 at a table top
sale and barbecue at the Gardeners Arms pub in
Brown Lees Road, Brown Lees.
The money will be used for expenses such as
the possible cost of employing a solicitor in connection
with the village green bid.
"We have had 82 questionnaires completed,
and people are also coming forward with photographs,"
said action group leader Ellen Faulkner.
"The petitions are available at most of the local
shops, and action group members will out collecting
signatures in Biddulph town centre from
10am to midday tomorrow (August 12).
"We're going to continue with the petition until
the plans are discussed by the district council,
which could be next month.
"I'm amazed at how the action group has grown
- it's absolutely tremendous.
"Every work surface in my kitchen is awash
with paperwork, and I've not been able to do any
housework for weeks!
"People are sick of more and more housing
development without infrastructure being taken
into account.
"We're hoping to get 3,000 names for the petition,
and I'm sure we will do it."
Mrs Faulkner thanked the Gardeners Arms
landlord for his support.
The action group has its own website,
www.knypersley-actiongroup.co.uk, created by
Stephen Chaddock and Neil Austin.
Village green questionnaires are available by
ringing Terry on 01782 512445.
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