CAMPAIGNERS fighting against plans for a new pub on green belt land have handed a 400-strong petition to Basildon Council.

The Wickford Save Open Space campaign wants to stop the sale of the Wick Green in Wickford to Marston’s, which is planning a new pub on land north of Radwinter Avenue.

This would mean concreting over designated green space on Wick Green, near Salcott Crescent.

Campaigner Yvonne Child presented the petition, which boasts nearly 400 signatures, to Basildon Council.

The campaign has also gained the backing of Rayleigh and Wickford Tory MP Mark Francois.

Despite being supportive of a new pub, Mr Francois has written to Scott Logan, chief executive of Basildon Council, highlighting concerns that the site is situated on “one of the busiest roundabouts in all of Wickford”.

Yvonne Child said: “Wickford Save Open Space are not against a pub and motel, we oppose the location. It’s completely unsuitable.

“It will impact wildlife and congestion. If you live on the Wick you would know how long it takes just to get off the estate during rush hours.”

A public consultation over the plans was carried out in February.

But Chris Jackman, another campaigner, claims the council did not do enough to advertise the land when it was up for sale.

He has submitted a Freedom of Information request asking for more details on how the land was advertised.

He has compared it to the ongoing issue of the sale of land worth £1m near Basildon Golf Club for £1, which was also carried out by Basildon Council.

Mr Jackman said: “It draws many similarities.

“Taxpayers should be aware of the full facts in light of the ‘Poundland’ hotel fiasco. This demonstrated that yet again Basildon is plays fast and loose with taxpayer money and community assets.

“The irony is that at a time when the council is struggling with air quality they have chosen the money over the health and welfare of the people and snatched the little green space left in Wickford.

“More than three hectares have disappeared in Wickford Town centre is as many years with no plan to replace these losses."

A Basildon Council spokesman said: "We can confirm a petition was received and a letter of response was sent to Mrs Childs on June 14. We also received a Freedom of Information request on June 26, which the council are in the process of responding to.

"The council exchanged contracts on the proposed development last year and the contract is subject to planning and licensing.

"Any application for development on this site will be considered as part of the statutory planning process, which means that members of the public have a right and an opportunity to comment."