PRESSURE is building on a council to withdraw plans which could see a town’s park built on.

The petition to save Chilton Fields, in Stowmarket, which is one of the few green areas in the west of the town, is nearing its 500th signature.

Mid Suffolk District Council is proposing to create a new housing development, Chilton Leys, which could mean the destruction of the fields, which are used for sports, dog walkers and picnics.

Sarah Kisby, 39, lives in nearby Treeview and set up the petition. She takes her two children to the playing fields.

“There’s a long way to go but before you know it no one will have done anything about it,” Mrs Kisby said.

“It really is the one open area that we have in this part of town. I’m not sure what else you can do. I thought I would go to Sport England - the Olympic legacy is meant to protect areas like this.”

A Mid Suffolk spokeswoman said: “During the engagement exercise last year we received over 100 responses from local people, both at the event and also via our online survey.

“The views of those who took part, including all that signed the petition, will be taken into account and carefully considered in the development of future plans.

“We are pleased with the level of interest residents have taken in the masterplanning process so far and as we move through the decision making process, it is our intention to keep listening to all those who have shown an interest in future proposals for Chilton Leys.”

Town and district councillor, Gary Green, said he backed the petition: “I do support the petition, I do not agree with building on Chilton Fields,” Mr Green said.

“I have spoken to people about what they could do, hopefully at some point we will be having another conversation. It’s not just a sport field, it’s for more than that. There’s nothing else for the children, it’s a community area.”

The petition can be found at www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-chilton-playing-fields.html