A CAMPAIGNER for the preservation of playing fields is hoping to take his battle all the way to Westminster.

Alwyn Humphreys, who chairs the campaign to safeguard the Ponciau Banks green space in Rhos, has been chosen to fight the Clwyd South seat for Forward Wales.

Mr Humphreys, who lives in Rhos, has been at the forefront of the campaign against Wrexham Council's plans to site a new school on the playing fields.

The issue has prompted mass meetings in the village.

He said: 'I believe passionately that we need to defend and improve public services, whether the NHS, council housing, or care for the elderly and most vulnerable in our society. The present Government's obsession with privatisation and cutbacks is undermining workers who face redundancy in JobCentres and other agencies as well as the people who need their help.

'The way the elderly are being treated in terms of pensions is a disgrace and I'm glad that Forward Wales has become the first party in the UK to sign up to the Pensioners' Charter, which guarantees a basic state pension of £105 a week, as well as many other entitlements. The UK has the fourth largest economy in the world - we should be looking after our elderly far better.'

Mr Humphreys, a self-employed agricultural adviser, is also keen to promote the revival of rural areas.

He said: 'I'm delighted Forward Wales is pushing for all schoolchildren to have free and nutritious school meals that are locally sourced. Both the farming unions in Wales have backed this proposal and John Marek has raised it in the Assembly.

'It would be a major boost to the Welsh farming industry and rural economy in general, but will also improve our children's health and well-being. That's why the proposal has also won the support of the British Medical Association.'

Forward Wales leader John Marek welcomed the selection.

He said: 'Alwyn is an excellent candidate who understands both the urban villages and rural parts of the constituency. I'm sure the people of Clwyd South will take this opportunity to vote for a radical alternative who can speak up for them.'

In relation to the Ponciau Banks saga, Terry Garner, strategic director of Wrexham Council, said: 'A report will be presented to the Executive Board on the options for improving primary school provision in Rhos and at the moment Ponciau Banks is still under consideration along with other sites in the area. Further consultation with interested groups will take place after the Executive Board make their decision.'