CAMPAIGNERS are urging the people of Spalding to get behind them now to save the town’s Sir Halley Stewart playing field.
Bill Johnson and Adam McVeigh, who have both been vociferous in their opposition to proposed development of the town centre field as part of plans for Holland Market, have joined forces to create the Spalding Community Campaign.
A new website (www.spaldingcommunitycampaign.info) has been launched, which it is hoped will provide a focus for others who wish to see the field kept as green space.
On the site, visitors can see for themselves the Declaration of Trust, which Mr Johnson and Mr McVeigh say leaves the Sir Hally Field in trust for the people of Spalding “in perpetuity”.
They fear time is running out before plans are submitted to South Holland District Council and want to rally the troops now so they are ready to put forward an organised opposition when the time comes.
Mr McVeigh said: “This is about letting the people of Spalding make an informed decision about what they would like to see happen with the Sir Halley Stewart,
“To do that they need to look at the trust document on our website.
“If they do not want to see the field lost to the people of Spalding there is an email address to use to get involved.
“It’s about bringing the people and businesses of Spalding together, to share information and form a united front.”
Mr Johnson said he and Mr McVeigh had felt it was important to start the campaign because people were being kept in the dark about the future of the playing field.
Holland Market owners Corbo are believed to be planning to build a supermarket on a site which covers part of the Sir Halley Stewart Field, the current bus station and car park.
The bus station could relocate to Swan Street, resulting in a more modern facility closer to the town centre.
The Holland Market shopping area would also see major alterations in an attempt to provide a more joined-up feel with the town centre.
There is also the potential for a new edge-of-town sports facility which could become home to the displaced Spalding United and a new town park on the site of the current Victoria Street car park.
Michael Moran, who is responsible for Holland Market, said: “We are committed to achieving the best result for Spalding, as our website www.spalding2012 makes clear.
“We welcome public consultation and there will be ample chance for this once we put forward our plans in detail.”