Residents have three months from Friday to put forward their views on Kent County Council's plans to change the use of a school playing field.

An action group was set up by angry residents who discovered the council is considering selling off the field at the former Danley Middle School. They fear it could be used for housing.

Before the land can be sold, the council must apply to Education Secretary Michael Gove to get a Section 77 order, which is protecting the land, lifted.

Despite a KCC spokesman saying it would be "many months" before this process began and that they were unsure when the consultation period would start, the council has announced that residents can have their say from tomorrow.

Save Our Sheppey (SOS) action group chairman Gillian Berry encouraged everyone to put forward their thoughts in writing before the June 10 deadline.

The campaign is still gaining pace and Ms Berry said after contacting Minster Parish Council and Queenborough Town Council that the SOS campaign has their full backing.

She has also contacted Leysdown, Warden and Eastchurch parish councils and hopes to have their support, too.

Ms Berry said: "We are pleased to have the backing of Minster and Queenborough and are hopeful the others will take the same view.

"There's strength in numbers and we need that extra support."

A spokesman for Minster Parish Council said it is backing the residents as it feels there is a lack of playing field provision on the Island as it is.

Mayor of Queenborough Jeff Andrews said: "It's about time Sheppey stood up for itself.

"We are more likely to get a result if we can group together in a single unit.

"They are trying to have more homes on green fields and we think we have got more than enough as it already is."

• Anyone who wants to comment on the proposal should do so in writing by Friday, June 10.
• Send your letters to Mouchel, 23-29 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5TS. The reference number is K/CF/346/AJW

"As it is no longer needed for this, and to make the land available for any other use, which could include community or amenity purposes, KCC will apply for permission to release the land in accordance with Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

"As part of the application, residents in Sheppey are being consulted. This consultation will last more than 10 weeks and I hope it gives everyone plenty of time to comment on the proposal.

"If the application is approved the land could be used for other purposes, subject to a future planning application. Without applying to the Secretary of State, the land would have to stay as it is.

“I know residents are passionate about their Island. If local people want to find another use for it, I would welcome hearing from them.

"There is an opportunity for the community to present a costed proposal as part of this consultation. Whatever is decided, an application under Section 77 would have to be made."

An Island councillor has set up a community group to try to improve facilities for Sheppey people.

Sheerness East councillor Chris Foulds has launched Sheerness Enhancement Association for Leisure as he says he is fed up of the town not being recognised as a seaside resort.

Cllr Foulds, who grew up on Sheppey, is focusing mainly on the Beachfields area of the town, where his plans include improving the skate park and reintroducing a crazy golf course.

He has already managed to get some well known Island faces on board with the project.

He said: "The main reason I wanted to be a councillor is because I'm sick of Sheerness not being recognised as a seaside town.

"I discovered by setting up a community group we can put these projects into place ourselves.

"I have spoken to lots of people in the community and they all say there's nothing to do here.

"There's a positive feeling [about the group]."

• For more on the project, see next week's Times Guardian