'We will not be bought off!': Villagers voice fears over parkland being sold for housing
"We will not be bought off" was the cry of one resident as villagers voiced their opposition to a beloved green space being sold off for housing.
A brewing storm outside aptly reflected the mood among residents in Bayston Hill Memorial Hall near Shrewsbury, where around 50 villagers turned out to object to homes being built at the Glebelands.
Shingler Homes, working as a development partner with landowner Lichfield Diocese, wants to build the homes, but sparked outrage after the planning application was submitted.
It had been a red-hot afternoon in Shropshire, and there was plenty of fire in the bellies of residents who spoke passionately about their fears of the proposal going ahead.
Andrew McAllister said the Bayston Hill community would "lose its lungs" if the proposal went ahead.
He also labelled the offer of £120,000 by the developer for the loss of green space as "no compensation".
"The church will be well aware of Jesus being sold for 30 pieces of silver," he said. "We will not be bought off."
He added that he keeps a lucky farthing in his pocket, but insisted the developers "do not care a brass farthing" about the community's concerns.
