CAMPAIGNERS bidding to save an open space in Wickford being sold off say they have just days left to save the site – and are calling on the new Conservative administration at Basildon Council to block any deal – saying action will come in the nick of time.

In March Basildon Nub News reported on the move by the Wickford SOS (Save Open Space) group to highlight their cause by erecting a large roadside sign.

For more than two years residents have been trying to save the site from development, initially by the Marston Brewery group who wanted to build a pub, then a care home group.

Now they have learned, through a Freedom of Information application just received, that the sale of the land is imminent, despite their best efforts to prevent it.

They are hoping that a change of political alignment of the council will mean the sell-off of the site, on land north of Radwinter Avenue, will be halted for further debate and discussion.

A spokesperson for the group says: "Hopefully they'll understand the importance of keeping the small number of green open spaces that we just about still have in Wickford!

"Members of the Conservative group now in charge have previously supported our campaign to save and protect Wick Green.

"Thankfully the Freedom of Information request has come through just in time for us to know about it before the deceitful action of the Independent Group working the Labour group forced it through behind our backs."