PROTESTORS will march this weekend against plans that would devastate a vast area of Herts Green Belt. The Keep East Of Luton Green (KELG) action group are urging all those who enjoy the countryside between Hitchin and Luton to gather on Sunday in a show

PROTESTORS will march this weekend against plans that would devastate a vast area of Herts Green Belt.

The Keep East Of Luton Green (KELG) action group are urging all those who enjoy the countryside between Hitchin and Luton to gather on Sunday in a show of strength against plans to build thousands of homes and a bypass on the land. The proposals by a Luton and South Bedfordshire planning committee would destroy 10,000 hectares of prime Herts countryside.

Alison Balfour-Lynn, KELG committee member said: "It's very important people come on the march - we need to be able to show the developers that we are not going to lie down without a fight.

"We don't want to lose this area of outstanding beauty under urban sprawl. It is extremely valuable, not only to the villagers and people of North Herts, but also to the people of Luton who will lose their green space."

The march begins at 12 noon from Cockernhoe village green and ends in Lilley where a flower festival is planned.

The Beds planning committee, which say they cannot fit all the Government's demands for housing into their existing urban area, has announced they will hold eight public exhibitions of the plans.

Tom Nicols, chairman of the committee, said: "It is extremely important that you have your say on these preferred options because the eventual development will be fundamental in shaping the places in which you live, work and visit."

The plans are available at Bedfordshire council offices and libraries as well as online at www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk where you can voice your opposition to the proposals until the end of the consultation period on June 12.

And if you have not yet signed up to our Stop The Luton Invasion petition go to www.thecomet24.co.uk and have your say. We intend to take every protest to Parliament.

Dates for the Diary

Beds exhibitions

Saturday May 9:

Arndale Centre, Luton - 9.30am to 5pm

Quadrant Shopping Centre, Dunstable - 9.30am to 3pm

Thursday May 14:

Putteridge Recreation Centre, Luton - 5pm to 8pm

Saturday May16:

Bedford Square, Houghton Regis - 10am to 3pm

Leighton Buzzard Market - 10am to 3pm

Tuesday May 19:

Streatley Village Hall -12 noon to 8pm

Thursday May 21:

Stanbridge and Tilsworth Community Hall - 12 noon to 8pm

NHDC public meetings on the plans:

May 7: Lilley, Cassel Memorial Hall, 7.30pm

May 13: Cockernhoe School, 8pm

May 12: Kimpton, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm

May 20: Breachwood Green