CAMPAIGNERS are battling to save a derelict sports ground in Chesterfield which they fear could be sold off in a multi-million-pound housing deal.
The Friends of Sheepbridge group formed when engineering firm GKN closed its factory, off Dunston Road, Sheepbridge, and gave up running its nearby ten acre sports ground, off Newbold Road.
Campaign organiser Karen Undrell said: "Cricketers, footb
allers, bowlers and families have enjoyed this ground and we want it kept as a community, leisure facility.
"We're worried it could be sold for housing or laid to waste as an eyesore that attracts vandals."
GKN closed the Sheepbridge Stokes factory last September after transferring work to China and plans to clear the sports ground this month for demolition and sale.
Campaigners are appealing to GKN and Chesterfield Borough Council to support efforts to keep the land for leisure and are applying to Derbyshire County Council for village green status to stop residential developments.
Mrs Undrell added: "The site should be up for sale at the end of May so we're appealing for anyone who has used this land in the last 20 years to contact us so we can show the need to preserve it."
Nicky Qazi, borough councillor for Sheepbridge, said: "I would like to see this land preserved as a leisure facility and I'm pleased people are examining what can be done."
GKN previously allowed trustees including Sheepbridge Cricket Club and the social club to operate rent-free but says it has been forced to sell to get value for shareholders.
Those interested in supporting Friends of Sheepbridge can email mikeundrell@talktalk.net.
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