A FALKLANDS veteran is spearheading an action group of Luneside residents to fight multi-million pound redevelopment plans which include a road and cyclepath through their neighbourhood.

The residents of Long Marsh Lane say they are angry that the council's flagship development is going ahead without full and proper public consultation.

At a packed meeting last week they set up an action group to fight aspects of the ambitious development scheme and Falklands veteran, Vincent Spratling, was appointed chairman.

"I've written to Prince Charles saying that I'm a Falklands veteran," he said. "I fought for Queen and country and I'm determined to fight this new battle to the end. I won one war and I'm determined to win this one."

Residents have already objected to a road from the proposed Luneside East site. Now they have discovered that the council's development brief includes plans for a cycle path along the top of the former railway embankment.

Resident Teresa Turner said: "People on the cycle path will look directly into the flats and all our privacy will be gone."

Patricia Kennington's home would also be overlooked by the cycle track.

She said: "People on the cycletrack will have a clear view inside my house and straight into the children's bedrooms. They'll be no privacy whatsoever. It would make me feel very unsafe."

Another resident, Ellen Clegg, added: "The embankment is a weather break and it's full of wildlife, squirrels and all sorts."

Ward councillor Jon Barry backed the residents.

He said: "I'm strongly opposed to the road link into Long Marsh Lane as the lane is far too narrow. I'm normally in favour of cycle paths but this one is unnecessary and would be a great inconvenience to residents. The single regeneration money is supposed to be based on consultation with local communities. As a council, what is the point in consultation if we are not prepared to listen?"

The Luneside East development forms a major part of the council's successful bid for £5 million of single regeneration funding.

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