Banner ripped down in Market Drayton homes row
Residents have been left disgusted after a banner objecting to nearby planning applications was pulled down and taken by vandals.
A group was formed when residents of Rush Lane, in Market Drayton heard of proposals to build more than 162 houses on land next door to their homes.
And after setting up a petition, the group hoisted a banner on the corner of Longslow Road and Rush Lane, to let other people know about the plans.
But after they saw that the banner had been pulled down and taken from the site, the group has spoken of its anger and is looking to take further action.
Sandra Kiessling, of Rush Lane, said: "We put the banner up to let other people know, who might not already know that there are these plans.
"If developers want to build houses then fine, but we have democratic rights as residents of this road to voice our opinion and let other people know."
The banner was paid for by residents and put up in line with relevant law and policy.
Ms Kiessling said: "We had someone from United Utilities in the area and the area inspector, and we received confirmation that we could do this.
"It was all done in the right way so it wouldn't distract drivers and things like that and it's on a private road with owner permission.
"But somebody has damaged the frame and taken the banner, so we are looking at theft, vandalism and trespassing.
"We were all so disappointed at first, but now we are just angry.
"We have paid with our own money for that banner, and for someone to take it is very frustrating."
The residents have informed the police and believe they have an eyewitness to the crime.
She said: "We believe it is someone with an agenda, and we don't think this sort of thing can just happen and let people get away with it.
"We have been thinking about putting up some CCTV so it doesn't happen again, but we won't be giving up - we'll put up an even bigger banner next time."
The proposals for 162 houses, made in early June, hope to turn land either side of Rush Lane into a residential development.
Developers, Gladman Developments, have said the space is ideal to combat the town's need for more housing.
But residents group Friends of Rush Lane has said the town's infrastructure already struggles, and by adding more houses will make the situation worse.
The group hope to protect the town's green agricultural land and is continuing with petitions.
The application is available to view on the Shropshire Council planning website.
