MANVERS Green residents' group launched a campaign this week to try to stop the building of a housing development near their homes.

The group is fighting to save a piece of green space at Cadman Street, Wath which has been earmarked by Gladedale Homes for 29 dwellings.

Residents packed into a recent surgery held by Coun Alan Gosling to make their objections known to the council and have even enlisted the support of MP for Wentworth, John Healey, who visited the area last weekend.

The group is gathering a petition and has posted letters to all households informing them about the development and its plans.

With the help of Coun Gosling, the residents are trying to organise a public meeting between the developers, Rotherham Council and residents.

The residents' group was formed three years ago when the land, which was then privately owned, was sold. It has since been sold again and the group went into action when the outline planning application was submitted to Rotherham Council a few weeks ago.

Andy Denton, spokesman for the residents' group, said kids had played on the land, a haven for wildlife, for many years. He said: "It's not just for us, it is for my kids growing up and my grandkids - it is there for everyone. There is a bridlepath and dog walkers use it. "In the summer you can't shift for kids because that is where they play. If you take this away they will have to play on the street and what will happen then with the extra cars coming up and down.

"There are 29 house plots and that could mean up to 60 extra vehicles. Cadman Street is only a little cul-de-sac designed 100 years ago for horses and carts. "Coming out of Cadman Street on to the main Doncaster Road you are taking your life into your hands anyway."

•Manvers Green Residents Group will hold its next meeting on Sunday at 7.10pm at the Squash Club just off Doncaster Road.