UNITED we stand was the vow today from villagers who pledge to fight to the bitter end to ensure their community does not become a "new town".Protesters are frustrated at the lull in their campaign to stop up to 3,000 homes being built in the historic twin Trimleys – but say the planning process is long and drawn out and people must stick with it.

UNITED we stand was the vow today from villagers who pledge to fight to the bitter end to ensure their community does not become a "new town".

Protesters are frustrated at the lull in their campaign to stop up to 3,000 homes being built in the historic twin Trimleys - but say the planning process is long and drawn out and people must stick with it.

Wealthy landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, are revising their vision for the future of the villages.

But STAG - Save Trimley Against Growth - fears there will be little change, is wary of a reduced scheme appearing more appealing, and says there is still "a very real threat" of development.

The campaign group is now preparing for a public inquiry into the new Suffolk Coastal Local Plan early next year, which will decide where new houses should be built in the district.

The council has to find sites for 10,000 over the next 15 years - though many sites have already been earmarked and permissions have been granted.

Around 1,000 new homes will be needed in the Felixstowe area and 1,000 on the edge of Ipswich.

A spokesman for STAG said: "While it is heartening to hear that our local authorities also oppose Trinity College's plans, it is of paramount importance that we, the residents of Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin, continue our united stand in defence of our environment.

"Trinity may have been forced to re-examine their plans, but the threat hasn't gone away."

He said the group's main aims were still to protect the green fields, footpaths, bridleways, lanes and separate village characters - and resist all large scale insensitive development.

Suffolk Coastal is expected to reveal its draft Local Plan in August and there will then be a period for people to respond to it.

Trinity college has suggested using all the land between the A14 and Ipswich-Felixstowe rail line for homes, a new school, shops and businesses.

n STAG plan to have an information stand on the field at Trimley Carnival on Saturday . The group also meets on first Thursday of every month at 7.30pm at Trimley Sports and Social Club.

WEBLINK: www.savetrimley.co.uk

n Do you think the Trimleys need more homes? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk