PROTESTERS in Minety are to step up their campaign to thwart plans by a Hampshire-based developer to build 90 new homes, offices and shops in the village centre.

Lesley Cowling, spokesman for the Friends of Minety Protest Group, said she had delivered 95 letters of objection to North Wiltshire District Council this week.

She said the group would be sending out a newsletter next week urging more people to voice their concerns in writing.

The group hopes to generate at least 450 letters of objection to show the village's strong opposition to the plans.

More than 300 residents packed the village hall last week to hear developer, Stuart Crook, outline his plans to create a new development on 20 acres of farmland behind Minety Primary School, at Sawyers Hill.

But Mrs Cowley said residents and Minety Parish Council chairman, David Brown, had made it clear to Mr Crook that they did not want the development.

Their protest has been supported by North Wiltshire MP James Gray.