THE campaign to save Rochford from hundreds of new homes has seen protesters set up a GoFundMe page - and a new petition.

The fundraising page was set up at the weekend to fund the expenses to fight development in the town, specifically the planned estate on Ashingdon Road which will result in 660 new homes.

The plan is currently at the pre-planning stage, with a consultation held two weeks ago for residents to air their concerns.

The Rochford Supporters Group, which currently has more than 1,200 members, was set up by Melanie English, who told the Echo: “It’s to give the community a voice and to make sure we’re heard.

“The money will be used on posters and leaflets with the money left being donated to a charity of the groups choice.

“The exits to the development are all descending onto Ashingdon Road, the dangers with the amount of increased traffic speaks for itself.

“The services in our town are already struggling, the new houses are only going to add to it.

“We need a new GP surgery and a new school.

“The current GP surgery is turning people away, a colleague of mine was sent a letter turning her away, stating that they can’t cope with the amount of Rochford residents.

“We’re going to lose so much wildlife too.

“When’s it going to stop. It’s ridiculous now.

“We need a happy medium between the developments and residents.”

Mike Webb, councillor for Hawkwell East ward, isn’t happy either.

He said: “There’s a feeling among the community that there’s been too many developments.

“I understand the council has to build new houses, but will we get the support for the GP surgeries and schools?

“I’ve written to the developers as I wasn’t satisfied with their plans to address the safety concerns on Ashingdon Road.

“It’s unwanted by large proportions of the community.

“This is the best way to get the communities voice out there.”