PROTESTING campaigners gathered yesterday as they prepare to march on Castle Point Council’s offices and demand farmland between Hadleigh and Leigh is saved from the threat of housing. 

Roughly 40 residents from Hadleigh and Leigh came together to organise a march later this week where they will present the 8,000-strong “Save Hadleigh Farmland” petition. 

The petition was launched in response to historic Salvation Army fields, on the edge of Hadleigh Country Park, being included in the draft Castle Point Local Plan. 

Later this week a huge number of residents are expected to carry out a rally as the petition is handed to the council.

The campaigners were joined by former MP for Southend West and Leigh, Anna Firth, as well as West Leigh councillor, Lesley Salter and Leigh resident and town councillor, Paul Gilson.

Protest - Dozens of residents unite ahead of marchProtest - Dozens of residents unite ahead of march (Image: Newsquest)
 

Southend councillor, Kevin Buck, and the former leader of the council, Nigel Holdcroft were also present.

Leigh resident, and town councillor, Paul Gilson, said: “The proposed development of the Salvation Army-owned farmland will deny us, the residents of Leigh and Southend the green lung that exists on our west side.

“It brings the countryside into the heart of a highly populated residential area. It would be criminal to lose it.”

Anna Firth, the former Southend West and Leigh MP, added: “This historic site is a green jewel in Hadleigh and Leigh’s crown and should not form part of Castle Point Council’s consultation, let alone any local development plan.

“Not only is it prime green belt and agricultural land, but it is also an iconic site of priceless historic value.

“There can be fewer more beautiful sites and to build even one house on it would be an abomination.

“It would drastically alter the landscape and character of this historically rich area and drive a coach and horses through our green belt protections.

“It should be thrown out at the first possible opportunity.”

Hundreds of residents across Hadleigh and Leigh have put up bright boards and posters outside homes stating: ‘Say No! Save Hadleigh Farmland’.

Hadleigh resident, Martin England said: “The solidarity between Hadleigh and Leigh residents is there to see.

“We intend to march to the council offices to hand over our petition. This will be a major event for our campaign, and 8,000 people cannot be wrong about this site.

“This is probably the biggest petition against a potential development site in Castle Point history.”