A FORMER soldier has decided to take on Redcar and Cleveland Council in his latest fight.

Jim Willis has spent the last 17 days under canvass as he tries to prevent a housing development starting on Coatham Common in Redcar.

The former Green Howard served in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo and the Gulf, during his 22 years service but now he is set to face the council in court over his decision to build a camp on the controversial site.

The 44-year-old, of High Street West, pitched his tent on the site while the Council erected fencing to prevent public access.

An earlier bid to have the land designated a village green failed after an inquiry.

But campaigners now believe recent legal rulings mean they stand a good chance of success.

Mr Willis says he is the unnamed man that the council is going to Middlesbrough County Court to evict off the site this morning.

He said: "I think I have been very successful in getting my point across. I have had plenty of support from other residents in the area and obviously the council have decided to take legal action to get me off the land."

Signs revoking permission for public use of the land for recreational purposes have now been put in place.

Coun George Dunning, leader of the Council's new administration, said: "We will be taking the proper legal action to remove protesters from the site to ensure the development can go ahead."

In April, the council's planning committee approved plans by Persimmon Homes for the £88m Coatham Links housing and leisure development.

Deputy Leader and cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism Coun Sheelagh Clarke said: "Whilst I fully admire the actions of anyone who stands up to be heard, we must accept that approval of this development has been sought through open and democratic processes."