Campaigners seeking to have an area of farmland declared a village green are holding a community day to drum up support.

The MERLin (Medway Ecological Riverine Link) project was recently successful in persuading Kent County Council that its bid to have the 15-hectare Bunyards Farm site off Beaver Road, in Allington, awarded protected status should go to a public inquiry.

But their proposal is being contested by both the owners of the land – the Andrew Cheale Will Trust – and by developers Barratt David Wilson Homes who want to build 435 homes on the site.

James Willis, one of the campaigners, said the group needed the support of the community if they were to win what he described as a “David and Goliath” battle.

This Sunday (October 8), the group is inviting the public to join them for afternoon tea and cake, while they learn more about the campaign.

The get-together will be held in the Community Hall at Hermitage Park and will run from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Mr Willis said: “If we can gain village green status for this land, it will ensure both future public access and protect the land against development.

“Let’s come together to preserve this green space for future generations. Come along and join the fight with your neighbours!”

Mr Willis can be contacted with any queries on 07838 103350.