MORE than 200 residents turned out for a protest walk along the Trans Pennine Trail.

The Warrington Preferred Development Option & TPT Bypass objection group has amassed more than 4,285 Facebook members since it formed following widespread anger over the council's local plan proposals.

Group creator Maxine Harmon was joined by residents at an entrance for the trail in Grappenhall, on Bradshaw Lane, on Sunday.

She said: "I am really pleased with the turnout but I was always optimistic that we would get a good response.

"The message we want to show today is how the Trans Pennine Trail is used.

"We are here to enjoy it. It is a peaceful protest.

"I think what has happened is that anger has come about from people not being informed enough.

"If it had not been for our campaign, I don't think a lot of people would have been aware.

"We feel like we have been kept in the dark.

"Obviously in time there will be development but it is just the way that it has been handled.

"We have done really well and have achieved a lot in a short space of time."

Maxine, from Grappenhall, admits she is also concerned about how the proposals will impact on future generations in the town.

She added: "I am a mother of four – I plan to live here for the rest of my life and I am sure that they do.

"We love going on muddy adventures and enjoying nature.

"For this to be replaced with some kind of bus route, or bypass, is quite heartbreaking because it is such a beautiful place."

The local plan public consultation ends on September 29.

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid said his response to the authority will be filled with 'facts and figures'.

He added: "I have been put into the deep end with the Western Link and local plan.

"We will keep fighting.

"On September 29 I would like to get everybody back again when I will be handing in my response on your behalf.

"I am 100 per cent sure you will be proud of my response."

For more information visit the Warrington Preferred Development Option & TPT Bypass Facebook page.