SHIREHAMPTON residents have been critical of the proposals in this part of Bristol, with hundreds signing a series of petitions.

The possibility of building houses on Daisy Field and allotments at Woodwell Road in particular have been met with protest.

Other sites that are earmarked for sell-off include; parts of Henacre open space; Merrimans Drive roundabout; Longcross Woodland; Moorgrove open space; Moorend Gardens; Cook Street open space and Napier Square Park.

Shirehampton resident Caroline Penny said: "Green spaces should be left alone.

"There is a lot of housing in Bristol that needs redevelopment but they want to build. It doesn't make sense in a recession. Who's going to be buying them?

"These pockets of land are invaluable to the people. If you take that away you just have a conglomerate of houses.

"It's not like you're on the green belt here – we've got houses all around us so every little bit of field we're holding on to for grim death."

Ms Penny raised the familiar concern about an existing lack of infrastructure being unable to cope with any further houses.

She also questioned why the council would dispose of allotment space when there is a significant waiting list across the city.

Local people have already submitted a petition of 221 signatures against the development of allotment grazing at Woodwell Road and 110 signatures against a possible travellers' site in the same location.

And so far more than 350 people have joined a Facebook group opposing the loss of any of the green spaces in Shirehampton.

The council has put forward a number of ideas for areas that could be improved when money raised from land sales is reinvested over the 20-year period of the project.

Although it won't have the money to fund them all, the authority wants residents to say which they would prefer.

Proposals for this part of the city include major changes to the Kingsweston estate, with better access, new walkways, a new car park and adding grazing livestock.

Ridingleaze could see a new play area, as could Sea Mills recreation ground and Nibley Road open space.

The basketball court at St Mary's recreation ground could be replaced with a multi-games area and a meeting point for teenagers.

Council spokeswoman Helen Hewitt said: "We know people are very passionate about their parks and open spaces and many want to see improvements in the parks near where they live.

"At this stage no decisions have been made. We are urging local people to take a close look at the options and have their say about what they think should happen."

To view the detailed proposals go to www.bristol.gov.uk/agsp.

What do you think of the proposals for your area? Email s.rkaina@bepp.co.uk or write to Sam Rkaina, Evening Post, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD.