A campaign to have an area of open space on the border of Allington and Aylesford officially declared a village green is stepping up the pace.

The Medway Ecological Riverine Link (MERlin for short) submitted an application to Kent County Council for an area of land off Beaver Road as long ago as June last year.

Since then the group has submitted evidence to the council that the 12-hectare field has been "used as of right" for sports and leisure purposes for more than 20 years.

Sixty-three nearby families have supplied statements saying how they use the land regularly for activities like walking their dog, blackberrying and for children's play, with 27 stating that they had used it for over 20 years.

The owners of the land, the Cheale Family Trust, is contesting the application. The trust has plans to sell the land to developer Barrett David Wilson Homes, which has already submitted a planning application for 435 homes on the site.

Last week, residents met on site to learn about the progress of the application from Chris Passmore and Duncan Edwards, who have been organising the campaign.

It has cross-party political support with three local borough councillors attending the meeting to show their support. They were Cynthia Robertson (Lib Dem), Stanley Forecast (Con) and Stuart Jeffery (Green).

Mr Passmore told the gathering that it was clear from their responses that the agents for the trust did not know the area, as they has referred to aspects of the local topography that did not fall within the application area.

Cllr Robertson said: "This is the last open space in Allington. We have been overwhelmed by development all around us. It's vital this land is protected."

Ian Joslin, a resident from Juniper Close, said that his family had used the land for 23 years. He runs a playgroup and frequently takes his young charges on a "bear hunt" over the field.

Another resident, Tom Benson, said: "If this goes, we will have no green space left. Nowhere to go for a walk.

"Those living on the other side of Maidstone have Mote Park or the Vinters Valley Nature Reserve. We have nothing. Getting in a car to drive over there to go for a walk would rather defeat the object!"

KCC's regulation committee is expected to make its decision in January 2023.

If granted, the village green status would prevent any development going ahead.

Campaigners have spent money already on the application and anticipate having to spend more if the owners appeal any Yes decision. Offers of financial assistance would be welcome.

Anyone wishing to lend their support can contact the campaign at opensprotectingbunyards@gmail.com