Campaigners fight to protect historic parkland in Darlington from the developer's axe

Members of the protest group, Preserve Historic Blackwell Grange Parkland and Say No to Development, took up their position opposite Story Homes building site on Carmel Road South, Darlington, in a bid to protect historic parkland.

Campaigners at the site

Darlington Borough Council faced a huge backlash when the trees were cut down to make way for the new housing development on the site of the former Blackwell Golf Club on the outskirts of the town.

• Dismay in Darlington as trees destroyed to make way for housing development

Trees being felled on the former golf course last year

More than 70 people attended the protest on Sunday morning where a bag pipe player and the sounds of honking horns showed people's support.

Michael Green, from the group, said: "This is about focussing on the historic parkland of Blackwell Grange and doing our best to protect it. We have been in discussion with the council and it has been positive but we need this to be protected parkland.

"We have a submission to make to the council which will hopefully, secure the long term future of the parkland."

When he addressed the campaigners, Mr Green told them of the support they had received from eminent QC Sir Anthony Havelock-Allan, whose family once owned the Blackwell Grange estate.

He added: "We are a community in crisis, we are a community who doesn't know what is happening in our own community. We have had worthwhile meetings with the council and we feel that we are being listened too."

Banners and crosses at Butcher's Gate

The deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council, Cllr Chris McEwan, was also on site to listen to people's concerns.

He said: "We are still consulting with people who live in the area and we are looking at ways of improving the historic parkland so that it is open to all. People have to remember that the land was privately owned and they did not have guaranteed access before – that is something that we are working on now."

Ward councillor and conservative group leader, Heather Scott said: "I can understand that people are upset but I think what we are trying to do is for the best of the entire town – we are trying to attract big businesses here and they need places to live, including executive housing.

"It is how we achieve that that is important, we need to continue talking to local residents about their concerns."

Ribbons tied around trees

Last week councillors deferred a controversial decision on a housing application in Darlington which would see 85 trees cut down in the grounds of Mowden Hall. Members decided to visit the site and see the trees for themselves before making a decision.