AN MP is calling on Middlesbrough’s council not to build houses on a much-loved piece of land being fiercely defended by campaigners.

Andy McDonald is preparing a submission to the town’s council asking the authority not to allocate a site around the Bluebell Beck area of Acklam for housing.

He lent his support to Greenstuff, a group of protestors who are resisting proposals to build on land close to Newfield Crescent, where green space has been earmarked for development under the council’s latest Local Plan, along with a number of other sites around the town.

The protestors will hand over a petition signed by more than 3,500 people at a full council meeting taking place on Wednesday, June 20.

Mr McDonald said he was “fully supportive” of the campaign, adding: “I applaud their efforts to protect the Bluebell Beck area of Acklam.

“I have walked the area and spoken to residents on site and it is a wonderful green space that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“I met with leading campaigners last week and local Ward Councillors to discuss how I can support them and I will be preparing a submission to the consultation asking the Council not to allocate this site for housing and for it to be a protected green space.

“Successive generations of local people have a huge amount of shared memories of enjoying Bluebell Beck and I want the next generation to be able to enjoy it too.”