Eco-town protesters light beacon

Hundreds of people turned out in June in opposition to the eco-town

Final signatures for a petition against plans to build a West Sussex eco-town are being collected, as protesters prepare to light a community beacon.

The government has named the former Ford airfield, near Arundel, and surrounding farmland as a possible site for 5,000 homes.

Ford is one of 15 sites in England originally shortlisted for the 10 new eco-towns. Two have since dropped out.

The beacon is being lit at Yapton Green on Wednesday evening.

Communities Against Ford Eco-town (Cafe) is holding the protest as part of a national event with other eco-town campaign groups.

"The beacon will be a wonderful symbol of unity, both nationally and locally, clearly demonstrating the very strong feeling against these unsustainable developments on our green fields," said Cafe vice chair, Vicky Newman.

A storm of protest followed the government's announcement about the eco-towns in April.

Downing Street

It has now delayed the decision on which sites will be chosen until after a second consultation period, which runs until December.

Cafe has collected 10,000 signatures on a protest petition to be handed in at Downing Street on 2 October.

People attending the lighting of the beacon will also be invited to sign up.

"We want to make people aware that the battle against Ford eco-town goes on," said Cafe chairman Terry Knott.

Arun District Council held an inquiry into the proposals earlier this year.

A select committee set up to hear evidence concluded that the council should oppose the plans for an eco-town at Ford.

It said that without an Arundel bypass there would be significant road congestion, and that employment and retail investment at Ford would be in direct competition with the regeneration of Bognor and Littlehampton.

The committee also said that the scheme would damage the character of the district.