Conservationists have launched a campaign to buy a farm in a green "buffer zone" between Rochford and Southend - amid fears it will be built on.

The Friends of Blatches Farm are worried 100 acres of farmland in the Roach Valley will be bought by developers after it was put up for sale by Essex County Council.

Now they have set up a campaign to find a buyer who will want to keep the land as it is and open it to the public. Spokesman for the Friends, Ian Yearsley said the ideal buyer would be Rochford District Council. He said: "The council is particularly well placed to do this at the moment because it has just realised a huge sum of money from the sale of another wildlife area for development at Etheldore Avenue in Hockley.

"The Friends believe some of this money should be used to purchase the Blatches Farmland - something which would be widely supported by local people as it would benefit the many thousands who live on both sides of the Roach Valley."

The Friends also believe such a move would demonstrate the council's commitment to wildlife and the natural environment.

Mr Yearsley continued: "I'm sure local people would be horrified by any suggestions the land might be built on.

"It provides an ideal buffer zone between Southend and Hockley and is extensively used by walkers and nature lovers.

"The only way to ensure it is never built on is to make sure it is owned by someone sympathetic to environmental issues."

Rayleigh Conservative councillor Mavis Webster has already demonstrated her support in the district council chamber, and Hockley County Councillor Bonnie Hart is also behind the campaign.

Chief Executive of Rochford District Council, Paul Warren, said the council had not ruled out the purchase of Blatches Farm.

He said: "The district council has considered this issue on a number of occasions and will be considering it again after the local elections.

"Corporate resources sub committee considered the issue on March 30, and the committee resolved the possible acquisition of land be the first consideration by the council after the election."

Members will receive a report back to council about Blatches Farm within the next two months.

We don't want to lose it - Ian Yearsley surveys the threatened valley

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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