WREXHAM'S Labour Group has voiced its opposition over council plans to develop the Nine Acre Field for housing.
The council has identified the land - and Nine Acre Field recreation site - as 'surplus to its requirements' and is planning to sell them off to cover the cost of the massive overspend on the 'superschools' project.
The Labour Group has said the issue should be brought before the council's executive board for a decision to be made - and said the field should remain as a community facility.
A recent consultation by Wrexham Council received a huge response from the public - with only three residents said to have supported housing on the site.
The Labour Group's statement says: 'Members of the Labour Group were dismayed by the proposal to consider selling part of a potentially important sports facility and public open space, but decided to await the outcome of public consultation before having a formal debate.
'Last night the Labour group decided unanimously to oppose the current suggestion that any part of the site can be developed for housing. The Labour Group felt it right that the public should have their say before taking such a decision.
'Responses to the planning department's consultation on the future development of Nine Acre Field show an overwhelming majority against the suggested area of housing.' Wrexham resident Lynne Hayes, of Bakers Lane, is spearheading a campaign to save Nine Acre Field.
Lynne is leading the bid by action group Save Open Spaces (SOS).
She said: 'We are committed to push for greater protection of playing fields, particularly in settled and already overdeveloped areas. At the moment, we have very little protection in Wales, and playing field losses are not monitored as they are in England. The law needs changing.'
When the news broke earlier this year, Maesydre Labour councillor Christopher Stubbs said no firm plans were in place to develop the surplus land, but he added: 'The council has found itself with an overspend and the money must be found somewhere.
'A number of sites have been identified as possible sources of revenue to fund the shortfall. Nevertheless, I would oppose any development of fields as a matter of principle.
'Green acreage is something that should be preserved and I know residents will be perturbed.'
Wrexham Council leader Shan Wilkinson said a decision needed to be made quickly to put an end to rumours.
A report based on the consultation is expected to be prepared for consideration by the planning committee in July.
