People power fight over estate plan

Campaigners opposing plans for a housing development in north Shropshire have stepped up their people-power fight to stop the 57 homes being built by putting signs up in their gardens.

Signs carrying slogans opposing the new homes have sprung up in about 50 front gardens along Walkmills Road, Walkmills Drive, Kiln Bank Road and Summerhill Gardens, all in Market Drayton.

Residents, many of whom have joined a campaign group called Market Drayton South Residents' Group, say the brightly coloured signs are the latest weapon in their fight to stop the development in Banky and Orchard Fields.

A petition has also been launched and organisers say that hundreds of opponents of the planned housing development have rushed to sign it.

Already campaigners estimate they have collected about 600 signatures for the petition.

It calls for a rethink over developer Base Architecture's bid to build the estate, acting on behalf of Market Drayton businessman Andrew Davies.

Steve Dourish, spokesman for the residents' group, said: "Our members have concerns about access and suitability of the development.

"At the moment we are collating the results of our petition, but we think it's in the region of 600 names."

Resident Christopher Smith said the signs were put up on Sunday after residents chipped in to a fighting fund to get them made.

"It's all part of the scheme to raise awareness about the planned development," he said.

"The signs are very clear and tell passers-by exactly what our message is."

Under the plans, a mix of three and four-bedroom detached, semi-detached and terraced houses would be built.

Developers anticipate the homes would go on the market for between £150,000 and £199,000.

Earlier this year the developer held a public consultation, which attracted about 100 people.

By Tom Johannsen

Last week Market Drayton Town Council members rejected the scheme by a majority vote. It means the final decision on the development now rests with Shropshire Council members.