RESIDENTS close to a Thurrock green space gathered to make their opposition to a plan that could see it developed for social housing.

As part of Thurrock Council's development strategy to create more new homes in the borough they have produced a list of sites they own which might be suitable for development – and they have launched a consultation exercise with residents to gather views.

Residents of Humber Avenue and Garron Lane appear determined to make it know that they don't want the scheme and came together for a picture to prove it.

They carried placards as they gathered to make their point. braved the elements on Saturday to show their determination to save their green space.

"This is the centre of our community", said local mother Debbie Smith. "Our children play here, families picnic here when the weather is good, and they've been doing it since wee we were children. Now the council wants to build on it!"

The residents fear, despite several denials by housing portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson that there are no firm plans – just a consideration of what might happen, that the council is determined to press ahead with its scheme.

They say the site has already been visited by a surveyor who appeared to do a detailed survey of the green - followed shortly after by an official who told them their trees, subject of a Tree Preservation Order, were 'diseased'.

"Look at these trees", said Ms Smith, "Do they look diseased to you? They've survived the recent storms, now some council official wants to cut them down to put up houses."

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Another resident, from the flats above the Garron Lane shops, put the green in local context, saying: "If you're bringing up children in a flat, you need safe space for them to play in. This green is our back garden."