UNIVERSAL opposition is snowballing against the destruction of Halesowen’s countryside to make way for a massive industrial development.

A social media campaign attracted more than 1,000 supporters within hours of being launched, petitions have been started and a public meeting is planned.

Spearheaded by Hales Owen Abbey Trust secretary Mick Freer, the campaign is also planning a mass public walk from Woodgate Valley Country Park around the threatened greenbelt land, believed to amount to around 240 acres, bordered by the M5 at junction 3 and Manor Way.

All 12 Halesowen councillors of all political parties have vowed to fight Dudley Council’s proposal to create an enterprise zone bringing 6,000 jobs and generating investment of more than £3 million.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris and the town’s Conservative councillors have this week launched a petition against the plan, formulated as part of a bid for a top tier of local government with the setting up of a combined West Midlands Authority.

The Hands off Our Greenbelt – Save Halesowen’s Countryside Facebook page had attracted 747 members by yesterday and an online petition set up by campaigner Ann Williams was signed by 439 objectors in just 10 hours.

Mr Freer, who described the proposal as “the most serious threat we have encountered” said he was delighted by how fast support was growing for the campaign.

Protesters believe the development will destroy the historic Landscape Heritage Area and create massive congestion on the busy A456 – leading to fears that Grange island would have to be widened.

Mr Freer warned this could mean demolishing houses and cutting across Halesowen Cricket Club.

Halesowen South councillor David Vickers said: “The destruction of valuable farming land, a green lung in our borough and the criminal vandalism of a national monument, the Halesowen Manor Abbey, for the folly of building a business park is too much for any resident to bear.”

The threatened area is around Lapal Farmhouse and paddocks which is currently on the market for £650,000 and Manor Farm, site of the 13th century ruined abbey.

The Tudor family, which own Manor Farm, are reported on the Facebook page to be opposed to the plan.

Hayley Green and Cradley South councillor Jeff Hill has warned the proposal will mean “several years of uncertainty”.

“We do not want this threat hanging over Halesowen.”

T-shirts are being printed for objectors to order through the Facebook page and Mr Freer urged residents to join as members to show support. Dates for the public meeting and walk will be announced in the News and on social media.

To view the petition click here

Mr Morris’s petition is also online at jamesmorris.com, or call 0121 550 6777 for paper copies.