THE green pressure group formed to save Winchester's Barton Farm from potential housing development is looking for more supporters.

The Save Barton Farm Group, formed from residents concerned about future development on the site, already has the backing of city MP Mark Oaten.

Now lobbyists are looking for more local people to assist them in their fight to stop a government proposal to build 56,000 homes in the county - 5,000 of which could be on Barton Farm.

The group is keen to make Winchester people aware of how the loss of 300 acres of farmland for housing would affect them.

They say an increase in population would cause a knock-on effect on essential local services such as education and healthcare.

Group chairman Gavin Blackman said: "Barton Farm is a natural resource of immense importance for the whole of Winchester.

"Bordering the northern limits of our city, it provides Winchester with both a defining boundary and an aesthetically pleasing introduction to this historic city." "If the development goes ahead, Winchester will need extra roads, schools, and healthcare to cope - not to mention increased congestion and pollution which will be caused.

He added: "We are now looking for local people to support us in our continuing vigilance and are urging them to think that the future of Barton Farm will determine the future of Winchester itself."

The group is a sub-committee of the Winchester Landscape Conservation Alliance.

To find out more information on the group or to register support write to Save Barton Farm Group, c/o 32 Courtenay Road, Winchester, SO23 7ER.

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