CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save historic parkland in Darlington are lobbying councillors and groups ahead of a crunch meeting in December.

Darlington Borough Council leader Heather Scott said in July that the authority was planning on removing the proposals for more development on land around Blackwell Grange.

The land had been included as a development site in the authority’s local plan, but the document is now expected to be removed.

The Parkland Heritage Group, which campaigned for the site to remain intact by highlighting it as a historic Georgian pleasure park, is lobbying councillors ahead of a full council meeting in December which will see members make the final decisions on the local plan.

Michael Green, of the group, said: “Recently we have had discussions once again with the Darlington Lib Dems, and the Darlington Green Party, and a very lengthy and positive meeting with Jenny Chapman, our MP.

“All are very aware of the passion and determination of the entire community, valuing the uniqueness of the historic parkland. Also, the parkland was once again on the agenda of the Darlington Friends of the Earth this month.”

He said the local, national and worldwide climate change demonstrations held last week also backed up the arguments of the group and a report they had commissioned which highlighted the positive environmental impact of the parkland with its 627 trees.

The group was initially set up following outrage over the hundreds of trees which were cut down on

the former Blackwell Golf Club, off Carmel Road, to make way for houses.

Campaigners held protests and tied ribbons around the remaining trees, labelling the Story Homes site “Butchergate” because of the number of trees that had been felled.

Some described it as looking like a hurricane had been through the former golf club.

They began a campaign to stop any further development in the area.