THE fight to stop a beauty spot being covered in homes has become a race against time.

Around 200 residents packed a public meeting at Barn Hall Community Centre in Alderney Gardens, Wickford, to hear they have little time left to object to proposals to build at least 200 homes on Barn Hall open space. Around 280 objections have already been made to Basildon Council against the plans for the 100-acre site off Station Avenue. The deadline for submissions is August 31.

Peter Boynes, chairman of Wickford North Green Action Group, said at the meeting: "This is another chance to demonstrate the strength of feeling about preserving Barn Hall as green belt."