A CAMPAIGN has started to turn part of a field threatened with homes into a village green.

The idea is being spearheaded by John Stewart, a Myland Community councillor, who hopes having the green status will preserve land off Mill Road, Colchester, for sports groups and families to enjoy.

The call comes after Colchester Council unveiled plans to move Colchester Rugby Club from their current base at Mill Road to a new sporting complex and business park near the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Concerns have been raised the land at Mill Road will be sold for housing to fund the move and that residents will lose recreation areas.

Mr Stewart said: “My view is it should be a village green, if it has got the status, it cannot be touched.

“I believe having this as a village green would be a focus point, certainly for those in the Myland parish.”

The plans for relocating the rugby club were showcased at public events last week and form part of Colchester Council’s vision to create a Northern Gateway.

Under the plans there would be a green corridor on the Mill Road land. But Mr Stewart said he feared if homes were built, gradually more land would be lost and the community could be left with green space “the size of a postage stamp”.

The rugby club is privately owned, but the field belongs to Colchester Council.

Mr Stewart is hoping to get the council’s backing.

Mr Stewart added: “We have got a lovely country park which is brilliant for the area, but we do need green spaces. We cannot live in concrete houses all the time, we have to enjoy the local landscape.”

The rugby club are keen to expand, as they are having to turn away youngsters interested in playing as there is no more room at Mill Road.

Mr Stewart will put forward his proposal for village green status at the Myland Community Council meeting on Wednesday, at 7.15pm at Mile End Methodist Church Hall, Colchester.