A CAMPAIGN against plans that to turn an area where children play area into car parking spaces is being stepped up.

People living in a cul-de-sac in Valley Road, Northallerton, have written letters of objection to Hambleton District Council in the hope of saving a grass verge.

They have now enlisted the help of Northallerton's mayor, Jack Dobson.

Michelle Smales, who lives in Valley Road, said: "We need as much support as possible so that our concerns are heard. None of us want to see our green verge being turned into parking spaces."

The proposal forms part of plans for a 75-house development in Knotto Bottom and Cotcliffe Avenue by Yuill Homes and Broadacres Housing Association.

Yuill Homes wants to improve access to the development by widening the road at the opening of the cul-de-sac and create parking spaces along the verge to replace those that are lost.

The developer was unable to comment yesterday, but said last week that the parking area would not result in a significant loss of the grass verge.

In a letter to Maurice Cann, the council's head of development service, Valley Road resident Katja Tolonen-Wilkinson said she was appalled at the proposals.

She said: "They would absolutely ruin the one thing we want to save - the green. We would also lose three trees that contribute towards a better living environment."

Last night, Mr Dobson attended a meeting with residents and advised them about what steps to take in preparation for a development control committee meeting, on Thursday, May 15.

He said: "The bottom line is that these people cannot have their amenities taken away from them and that is what the large grass area is - an amenity where their children play."