West Northamptonshire Council has been considering to sell the Eastern Way playing field in Daventry and use the funds for improvements in the town.
Residents have been voicing their opposition to the sell-off plan by pointing out the importance of the green space and setting up a petition.
Elizabeth, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It was tremendous. It was a huge success, and we're absolutely delighted with the outcome.
“The rain had been pouring down, and all of a sudden it cleared, and everybody descended on the field with placards and banners in high spirits and determined to make their point with us. It was phenomenal.”
Eastern Way playing field is a popular recreation spot that is currently used for the weekly parkrun, occasional visits from the circus, and community activities such as walking and picnics.
Members of the ‘Eastern Way Playing Field - keep it GREEN’ Facebook group gathered on October 20 to express their disapproval of the council's draft master plan.
“I felt hugely emotional as people were flooding onto that field,” said Judith.
More than 1,000 people turned up at the Eastern Way playing field on Sunday.
“The supporters in the group and on the field are convinced and of a similar mind to Liz and myself that whatever proposals they have for the town centre, none of it is worth the sacrifice of this big open green space that has so much value for the physical, mental, and emotional health of local residents.
“It's just madness. Frankly, it's utter madness, and we do not accept that,” said Judith.
Elizabeth started a petition on October 11 to save the field and stop the authority's plans to sell off a part of the site for housing, and more than 600 people have signed it.
“We're viewing it as a numbers game. We believe that we have to prove that there are large numbers of people in this town who are against the sale of that land and the development of that land,” said Judith.
Elizabeth and Judith also recently launched a campaign with posters and flyers that have been displayed on private property and in local shopfronts.
More than 50 posters and 3500 flyers have been printed out so far with the community's support.
“We feel really encouraged to keep going with this. We are determined, and we know we have a strong backing in a very short space of time.
“The local business community has been so supportive of our efforts,” said Judith.
The council cabinet is expected to discuss the plan, as part of the Daventry Masterplan, this autumn.
“It has been a big, big effort. We need a little bit of reflection time. (...) We need to do something a little bit different next time,” said Judith.
Take a look below at photographs of the Facebook group members in the Eastern Way playing field over the weekend.
