FAMILIES facing legal fees to fight moves to build a multi-million pound housing estate and tourist attraction opposite their homes are holding a fundraising auction.

FAMILIES facing legal fees to fight moves to build a multi-million pound housing estate and tourist attraction opposite their homes are holding a fundraising auction.

An Ipswich Town Football Club pennant and some shorts signed by players, an Antiques Roadshow book autographed by one of the show's presenters, and a family ticket to the Tower of London are among the prizes.

The Save South Seafront Soakaway Association (SSSS) was set up by Manor Terrace residents worried about Suffolk Coastal's plans for the 17-acre south seafront.

The SSSS believes the current scheme will be an overdevelopment of the area with too little car parking.

It wants to see most of the land kept as green open space and does not want the former beach hut site in Manor Terrace built on as this acts as a soakaway when water comes over the sea wall.

To fight their corner, they have employed a lawyer who is an expert in planning and now need to raise the money to pay his bill.

So far they have raised more than £850 from donations from association members and a sponsored swim in the icy sea on New Year's Day when a number of hardy residents took the plunge for the cause.

SSSS spokeswoman Edwina Rust said the auction would take place at The Dooley pub in Ferry Lane on Sunday February 16 from 2pm.

The event, which will include a pub quiz, would also raise money for the RNLI lifeboat at Aldeburgh and other charities.

Anyone with an item or a pledge they would like to offer for the auction is asked to ring 01394 276208.

Suffolk Coastal says a planning application is expected any day from its partner Bloor Homes. The development will feature nearly 200 houses, children's play areas, an ampitheatre, more seafront gardens, wooden galleon café and pub.