Group campaigns over land fears

A group of campaigners who claim there is a secret plan to sell land to a supermarket chain have said they will protest outside Lancaster town hall.

The group had spent the night in tents on the land at Lawson's Bridge in Scotforth in Lancashire.

Green Party councillor Emily Heath said the area did not need more food shops.

Lancaster City Council said that nothing was being done secretly and considering selling the land was the first step in a long process.

It added that it had a duty to review its property and land assets to ensure it delivered the best value for the taxpayers of the district.

Any proposed uses for the site would also be subject to the usual planning processes that allow for public consultation.

Councillor Emily Heath said: "I would say that there is perfectly good provision for food shopping throughout south Lancaster.

"We've got good bus links into the city centre and it's not like the people of Scotforth are going to starve."