CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Flixton's green belt from development turned out in force on Saturday.

More than 1,000 residents took part in a demonstration at Flixton Fields.

The event - organised by the Save Flixton Green Belt group - was held to protest at town hall proposals to build houses on swathes of land in Flixton as part of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF).

Messenger Newspapers: Campaigners of all ages turned out in force to back a Save Flixton Green Belt demonstration

Campaigners of all ages turned out in force to back a Save Flixton Green Belt demonstration. Photos by Sean Wareing 

Save Flixton Green Belt member, Michelle McGrath, said: "It was a lovely day, a fantastic community event.

"The whole spectrum of the community turned out, young and old, to show how strongly they feel about this.

"There were lots of banners. someone brought green bows for everyone, while someone else brought green balloons."

She added: "Hopefully, Trafford Council will rue the day they identified our green belt for development."

Messenger Newspapers: Campaigners turned out in force to back a Save Flixton Green Belt demonstration

Campaigners turned out in force to back a Save Flixton Green Belt demonstration. Photos by Sean Wareing 

Speakers at the event included Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green and Cllr Andrew Western, the leader of Trafford's Labour group.

The Save Flixton Group has 4,700 members - almost 50 per cent of Flixton's 10,500 population.

The area earmarked to be developed includes land at Flixton Station and parts of William Wroe golf course.

Grade II-listed Flixton House and the playing fields, which are also in the green belt, would be declassified, but council leader Sean Anstee claims both will be ‘protected’.

Messenger Newspapers: Campaigners turned out in force to back a Save Flixton Green Belt demonstration

Campaigners turned out in force to back a Save Flixton Green Belt demonstration. Photos by Sean Wareing 

*Comments about the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plans can be made at gmsf-consult.objective.co.uk or emailed to gmsf@agma.gov.uk until January 16. You can post your comments to Greater Manchester Integrated Support Team, PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA.