Father Christmas and a human sized fox were at hand to help a local campaign group send a festive message to the council yesterday.

The duo joined the New Allington Action Group (NAAG) to drop off a greeting card that asked the borough council to oppose developments of Bluebell Woods and land neighbouring Hermitage Lane.

It was presented to Cllr Bryan Vizzard, a substitute member of the planning committee.

James Willis, vice chair of NAAG, said: “At this festive period we need our Council to act now and respect the huge amount of responses from residents and experts alike to protect Bluebell Wood.

“The only way Maidstone Borough council can do this is by changing the policy that drives roads through Bluebell Wood.

“We urge Residents to be reminded they are still able to register objections to the Slaughter and Chaos by writing or emailing the council planning department.”

NAAG is currently running a 12 days of Christmas campaign online.

It is designed to lobby the council into taking action against the proposed developments and can be viewed here