A PROTEST to show the strength of feeling against development in south Warrington saw around 200 people march on the Town Hall on Saturday morning.

Despite dreadful weather, villagers armed with banners and placards turned up to show their support for the protest and to sign petitions opposing what they see as unsuitable housing schemes.

Speaking at the rally, organiser Andrew Wilson urged anxious residents to show how schools, roads and community facilities are becoming over-stretched.

He wants people to gather examples to form a portfolio which will be submitted to the borough council to show the pressure which extra development is putting on south Warrington.

Mr Wilson said: "We can't allow these developers to continue building massive housing estates without contributing anything back to the community.

"This is an issue that affects us all and our children. Go away from today and tell at least one person what happened today and get them actively involved."

Mr Wilson has already collected 600 signatures on a petition. He is considering organising a public meeting at Lymm High School this summer, and is urging people to keep up the momentum of the campaign.

Members of the council's development control committee threw out a scheme by Redrow Homes to build 64 houses at land off Millers Lane at a meeting two weeks ago. Redrow has already lodged an appeal with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

A public inquiry into plans to build 98 homes at land off Bucklow Gardens will open on June 5. A second inquiry into the Redrow scheme will begin on June 26.