THE Green Party has thrown its support behind residents fighting development in Darlington.

Three prospective Green Party candidates have pledged their support to campaigners battling to save a field at Bellburn Lane.

Terri Hankinson, Anita Harris and Matthew Snedker say, if elected, they will take the fight against housing development to the council chambers.

As part of Darlington Borough Council’s Making and Growing Places plan, Bellburn Lane field has been earmarked for development.

Residents living close to the well-used community space have been staging a long running campaign against the proposals.

Also standing in the Brinkburn and Faverdale ward are Karisha Francis (Lib Dem), Richard Grundy (Con), Rachel Mills (Con), Sue Richmond (Lab), Steve Rose (Lab), Bryan Thistlethwaite (Lab) and Christopher Welsh (Con).

Anita Harris, who lives on Bellburn Lane and hopes to be elected to represent the Brikburn and Faverdale ward, said Green councillors would be committed to backing the residents.

She said: “We appreciate that we will not have a majority on the Council but would do all in our power to disrupt the plans.

“This includes personal support of any community action - our members in Darlington have experience of campaigning on community issues and we are prepared to work alongside fellow residents to save the fields.”

Matthew Snedker added: “By building strong communities we will protect what is important and save what is dear to us now for generations to come.”