Stotfold protestors looking to protect one of the last few green spaces in the town centre are making their voices heard.

The Comet: Harry with his design.Harry with his design. (Image: Archant)

Central Bedfordshire Council’s decision to use the old playing fields of the former Roecroft Lower School site off Church Road to store highways equipment has resulted in a protest petition with more than 300 signatures.

Despite the blustery winds on Saturday, protestors and councillors turned up outside the fenced-off area to demonstrate their support for retaining the fields as a green space for the benefit of the town and to gather further signatures for the petition to ‘save the fields’.

Nora Beale, who lives in Church Road, said: “We all have fond memories of community events on this site such as school sports, fetes, families planting daffodils and watching the junior football team practising here.

“This is the only green space in this part of Stotfold and should be a real asset for all of us.”

Stotfold town councillor Alan Cooper said: “This is a lovely area with flowers, mature trees and large areas of grass.

“Residents were very upset and angry when this was used as a dump for highways material.

“The town council has told Central Beds clearly that we want the fields restored to their original state and we do not want this built on.”

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman said: “The former school playing field is currently being used by our highways contractor Amey to store road planings.

“They have been granted an extension to continue using the site and once work is complete then they will have to reinstate the land to its previous state.

“There has never been public access on the former school playing field.

“However, the council is committed to enhancing recreational facilities in the Stotfold area, and is releasing 24 acres of land in Arlesey Road for a new football stadium, has facilitated public access in Etonbury Wood and is supporting the Stotfold Green Wheel project.”

Copies of the petition can be signed at Beale Bros, Cards & Crafts, Stotfold Library and the town council offices.