CAMPAIGNERS fighting to protect an area of countryside from a proposed housing development will auction a piece of artwork in an effort to raise money for their cause.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to protect an area of countryside from a proposed housing development will auction a piece of artwork in an effort to raise money for their cause.

Save Felixstowe Countryside have been given the cartoon drawing - which they claim depicts what will happen should the plans for land adjacent to Candlet Road get the go-ahead - by local artist Steve Royce-Griffin.

Spokesman Ken Ferriss said: “The picture is going to be auctioned to raise money for the campaign. It's a lovely piece of work but it highlights some very serious issues. People can bid for it on our website and the money will be used to help us in our fight.

“The area where they are proposing to build the homes is completely unsuitable. The nearby road would not support the increase in traffic and it would completely destroy some of our most beautiful countryside. Why would anyone want to do that?”

Mr Ferriss and his group are also calling for an extension of the plan's consultation period because he believes people need more time to express their views.

“Far too many people in the town don't realise these plans are up for discussion and it's important that they get to have their say,” he said.

Suffolk Coastal District Council is planning to build 1,620 new homes in Felixstowe, the twin Trimley villages and Walton over the next 15 years.

The authority will make the final decision on the site and are still asking for people to indicate which areas they would favour for housing.

Members of the public have until April 11 to send in their views and can also look at the plans at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk .

To bid for the artwork visit www.savefelixstowecountryside.co.uk.