A frustrated resident has described a proposal to build houses on his local park as "depressing" and "unthinkable".
Michael Howe has lived next to Disco Field in Boldon Colliery for more than 30 years. The 50-year-old said children play on the green space and owners walk their dogs in the area.
He is fighting to keep the park after learning it has been earmarked by South Tyneside Council as a possible location where homes could be built. Michael has set up a Facebook group called 'Friends of Disco Fields' which now has more than 750 members.
The bricklayer said the local authority should be looking to build on other areas, which are used for fly tipping, rather than Disco Field. He said last week the council even put posters up which told residents to love their local park.
Michael said: "South Tyneside Council put posters up last week saying 'Love your parks'. They don't see the irony of the whole situation.
"I realise that we, as a community and as a nation, need more houses, we need social housing above all else. But ultimately we have to have the correct place to put these houses.
"It's unthinkable, I try not to think about it. The park means so much to people, there's no alternative place to go. It's depressing to think this is what it has come to.
"The main reason I moved to my house was for the park. When I asked my neighbours they said the same. There's a few people who have moved from outside of the area for the park."
The proposal to build 45 properties on the park, which is located on Henley Way, is part of the local authority's 'Local Plan'. Another 39 areas in South Tyneside have also been allocated for housing development.
Michael said residents in the area have not been sent letters about the possible housing development, which will be located behind their properties. He said he set up the Facebook group to let people know what the local authority isn't letting people know.
He said: "We weren't told about it. If someone next door to you is building an extension you would get a letter through the door. There's a proposal for 45 homes near my back garden and I didn't even get a letter through the door from the council. Since I have found out about it I have got lots of support from my local councillor. Kate Osborne has also backed our campaign."
Michael said there is wildlife, including bats, on Disco Field and the park has more than 100 mature trees. He said: "Disco Field is a well used recreation park. I use it everyday, I'm on Disco Field three or four times a day.
"There's dog walkers on it constantly and there's kids on it at the minute. We have got about four big fields which are used for football and rounders. People let their dogs off and their dogs run about.
"There's a sheltered accommodation nearby and the park is used daily by all of the elderly. If they didn't use the park they wouldn't get out of the house. Where are they going to go?
"We have got bats on there as well. Bats are a protective species, you would think that would be brought up."
Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow, is supporting Michael's campaign to stop houses from being built on Disco Field.
She said: "I am extremely concerned about any potential moves to build on Disco Fields, it’s a wonderful green open space in the heart of the Colliery with an abundance of wildlife. I fully support the campaign to save the park and I stand in solidarity with residents who have organised and are joining together to protest against the proposals in the Draft Local Plan.
"I have several concerns about the Local Plan and proposals around the constituency, particularly the proposals for Disco Fields and Dipe Lane, as well as the proposals to build on greenbelt land in Fellgate and in Cleadon and East Boldon. Building on our parks and greenbelt is never a solution.
"I raised my concerns with the Leader of South Tyneside Council and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and today spoke to many Boldon residents who share these concerns. I will continue to make the case for the protection of our green spaces to ensure they are enjoyed by generations to come."
South Tyneside Council said there's been an extensive communications campaign on the Local Plan, including press, social media and public consultation events.
Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said: "We’ve had a great response to consultation on the local plan so far, with our 11 events well attended and more than 1,500 comments received to date. For those who have not yet given their views, the consultation period does not close until Sunday 14 August.
"Officers will analyse responses to help shape the next phase of the plan, and ultimately, the plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for a Public Examination before an independent Planning Inspector. To be formally considered, views must be made in writing via the appropriate channels. For further information, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/localplan "
Residents have got until August 14 to express their views on the plans.
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