May 7th 2001: Supporters of the Save Barton Farm Group were out in force on Sunday.

Over 100 marchers walked a newly re-opened footpath on the greenfield site, threatened by plans to build 2,000 homes. Carrying colourful umbrellas and banners, they celebrated the opening of the footpath, shut as part of the county's fight against foot and mouth.

Children and dogs joined the procession, which wound its way from Winchester to Headbourne Worthy, across the site earmarked for major housing development.

The county must build 42,000 houses by 2011 to meet government demands, and a further 14,000 homes could be constructed if needed. Barton Farm, to the north of the city, could take 2,000 of these reserve houses.

The Save Barton Farm Group has launched a campaign to recruit 10,000 supporters and raise £10,000. The pressure group, which has 3,500 members, collected £1,000 in the past week.

Saiud chairman, Gavin Blackman: "Sunday was really about celebrating the reopening of the footpath at Barton Farm and was another demonstration of support we have from people all over Winchester and since the public meeting we have had lots of offers of help, in terms of both expertise and money."

County council-controlled footpaths and bridleways were shut as a result of foot and mouth precautions, but more than 300 paths have now re-opened.