COLCHESTER councillors have been urged to protect a nature reserve against the development of a new town.

Campaigners fear the plans for a 6,600-home garden settlement on the Colchester and Tendring border could end up backing onto Salary Brook Nature Reserve.

Chris Hill, who stood as a Conservative councillor in Greenstead in last year’s all out borough council elections, asked Labour leader Tim Young if he would oppose the Local Plan if the area was not protected.

Speaking at a full Colchester Council meeting he said: “I have been living in Greenstead for the last 34 years and am campaigning to protect the Salary Brook slopes.

“A leaflet from Labour councillors came through my door in September stating they supported a 1.5km buffer between the development and Salary Brook.

“If they are unable to to secure this buffer, will Mr Young urge his colleagues to vote against the adoption of the local plan?”

Mr Young said: “We will continue to ensure Salary Brook is protected as best we can.”