KEY figures in the Holmes Chapel community gave their backing to the rejuvenated Save Saltersford Corner campaign at a public meeting at the Victoria Club in the village last Wednesday.

Speakers included Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School head teacher Jeff Sharp and Holmes Chapel Health Centre practice manager Dean Grice.

The meeting was organised by teenagers Bill Armstrong, Abbie Little and Daniella Russo, and attracted 50 members of the public.

The campaign was sparked by opposition to Russell Homes’ resubmission of amended plans to build 100 homes at Saltersford Corner.

Abbie told the audience: “The planned development is unsuitable for the village, particularly as the homes will appeal to young families, and we’ve been made aware the schools don’t think they will be able to cope with the added numbers, and despite the reassessed access the route to the schools won’t be safe for walking.

“As a young person of the village it’s in my interest to have a say on what happens to it as we are the next generation who will work and be based in Holmes Chapel.”

Jeff Sharp questioned where children from the proposed new houses would be educated.

“We have no - or very little - capacity without any significant investment,” he said.

Dean Grice said the health centre was over-subscribed, pressure on GPs would increase if the housing was built and there would be longer waiting lists.

MP Fiona Bruce declared her support for the campaign, citing concern about extra pressure on local infrastructure from the planned homes.

Council leader Michael Jones said he was 100 per cent behind the campaign, and the public should have some influence on the proposals.

He asked the public to provide the council with as much information as possible on issues relating to the application such as footpaths and traffic flow.

The campaign leaders are preparing their arguments for the Strategic Planning Board meeting will which discuss the scheme, and plan to promote their cause at the village fair and village organisation meeting in May.

The deadline for comments on the plans is April 10.