An action group is organising a guided walk of an much-loved area which under threat from development.

Hitchin Town Action Group – made up of Hitchin Forum, Hitchin Society, Hitchin Historical Society and Hitchin Initiative – will host the walk around Priory Park and green space north of Maydencroft later this month to highlight their concern, and why the patch should be preserved

The move comes after North Herts District Council published an updated housing strategy, which considers sites which may be available for development and included the area.

A statement from HTAG said: “This area is one of the town’s most important recreational resources with numerous paths which are very well used by walkers, joggers, horse riders and cyclists. It also forms an important connection between the historic town and its immediate countryside, particularly the historic link with Hitchin Priory.

“The area has some outstanding landscape views across towards the Chilterns – these views would be totally destroyed. It is an important green buffer, separating the villages of Gosmore and Charlton from Hitchin, which is one of the main purposes of Green Belt land.

“At this stage of the process, the council has been concentrating on whether particular sites can physically accommodate development, whether they are available in terms of landowners’ intentions and whether they would be financially viable to develop.

“However, when the council’s draft Local Plan is put together, we want councillors to take into account quality of life issues such as loss of Green Belt, sustainability and recreational value.

“This area is an unusually precious part of Hitchin’s Green Belt. Councillors must move on from considering landowners’ and developers’ wishes to considering proper planning.”

The guided walk will take place next Sunday, July 27, starting at the bridge near The Three Moorhens car park at 11am. Walkers will return to the pub by 12.30pm. To book a place email hitchintag@gmail.com