THE fight to save "the last wild space in Chepstow" from development is hotting up.
Campaigners obtained dozens more signatures for a petition opposing building homes on the Ruffets when they launched what they billed as an awareness day in the town on Saturday.
"We want everyone to know exactly what is planned. The Ruffets is unique and should be protected. It would be devastated and destroyed by the building proposal," explained objector Hilary Phillips.
"We feel sure that most people locally would be upset to lose the area. It is a wildlife haven and should be retained for future generations. There are plenty of alternatives and I can think of no-one who wants wall-to-wall housing in Chepstow," she said.
Objectors to the scheme were joined by MP Huw Edwards for a protest in the town on Saturday.
They want people to air their views at a public meeting to discuss the proposal on March 15 at Chepstow Leisure Centre (8pm) and to attend a public inquiry to be held at High Trees on March 28.
The proposal is to build 24 houses on the site.
"It would be a scandal and irresponsible to develop the Ruffets. There are badgers and other animals there and they should be protected. Ideally we would like it to become a community project to create a public amenity," she said.