CAMPAIGNERS against housing plans in Thanet are staging a public protest in Margate on Saturday (September 30) against plans to build 4,000 houses in the district, including 1,000 in the Westwood area.

The protest coincides with the making of a much-publicised film called Exodus in Margate, but one of the campaigners, Norman Thomas, denied reports that they plan to disrupt proceedings.

He said: “We know the film-makers are planning some spectacular public events for Saturday in Margate, and we aren’t going to spoil the fun but we are going to make our voices heard.

“After all the theme of Exodus is all about people looking for a promised land. The problem for Thanet is that our land has been promised away to be built over – and we are not prepared to accept this.

“All over Thanet housing developments are springing up. We have to say enough is enough.”

The campaigners see overbuilding threatening a loss of green spaces, big traffic problems and major water shortages. It also, they claim, threatens to destroy Thanet’s economy.

Mr Thomas said: “Thanet depends on tourism and visitors. Who’s going to want to come and visit a huge urban sprawl?”