RESIDENTS warned council leaders they will not allow a “single brick” to be built on their playing fields.

The latest public meeting over Basildon Council’s plans to sell off playing fields across the district to fund the new Sporting Village in Gloucester Park, was held at the Basildon Lower Academy, in Timberlog Close, Basildon.

This time, angry residents focused on plans to build at least 73 homes on land off Kent View Road, Vange.

The ruling Conservative group on the council will meet behind closed doors at the Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, on Monday, where councillors are expected to discuss mounting opposition to the sale of playing fields in Vange, Pound Lane, Laindon, and Felmores, Pitsea.

There will be a final full council meeting on the issue starting at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 16, at the Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon.

Around 200 people packed out the meeting at the school and heckled the council staff and deputy leader Stephen Horgan from the start.

Mr Horgan said it was essential to replace the ageing facilities at Gloucester Park Swimming Pool and borrowing money was not a wise option.