By Dickon Hooper and Malcolm Chappell BBC News Online, Bristol

Some parents have had to mobilise campaigns to preserve precious green space from falling into the hands of developers.

But in one corner of Bristol, plans to create new football pitches have met with anger from local parents.

Officials want to use a slice of meadow land at Purdown near Lockleaze for the playing fields - a move which has not been welcomed by some residents.

Imagine the outrage if this was planned for the Bristol Downs? Councillor Sean Emmett

The council wants three pitches for the new Fairfield School on the site. It says just 15% of the total 11 hectares of open space will be affected.

But angry locals, who are determined to fight the proposals, say the land earmarked on the plans is the most attractive and the most used.

They say they have not been properly consulted on a proposal that would destroy one of the area's best assets - and that they only found out what was happening when surveyors were spotted from a window.

Faye Walter, spokesperson for the 14-strong Friends of Purdown campaign, gave BBC News Online a guided tour.

She said: "No one seems to be taking the community's views into account.

"We recognise that kids need their playing fields, but we need green spaces.

"Purdown's meadows support wildlife from badgers to bats and are rich in history. They are enjoyed by hundreds of people who benefit from having such a wild space close to their homes."

Just a proposal

The council insists it is listening to residents' concerns. In a statement to BBC News Online, it said: "We invited residents to give their views on a proposal to locate three new playing fields in Purdown.

"It should be stressed that this is a proposal at this stage and we are listening to what residents have to say."

The council also insists it notified residents by letter, adverts and posters of the two public meetings that have taken place so far.

Purdown is close to St Thomas More's School, which is moving, and being replaced by a rebuilt Fairfield School.

The new school will take in more than 1,000 pupils - double the current St Thomas More's capacity - and so new off-site playing fields have to be found.

The meadow is home to considerable flora and fauna

It is easy to see why Purdown - a walk away from the school site - is the preferred choice.

Residents say no alternative was considered, but can take solace from the council's statement: "In view of the concerns raised, we are looking at other possible alternative sites."

Although the council would not comment on these alternatives, Sean Emmett, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Lockleaze, says he has proposed several: the playing fields behind Lindsay Road, Eastville Park and the pitches on Dovercourt Road.

Planning permission

Lockleaze open space, 250 yards from Purdown, has also been mooted.

Mr Emmett added: "Imagine the outrage if this was planned for the Bristol Downs?

"I would be more relaxed about the proposals if they were only going to mark out the pitches on the grass, without restricted access or fences."

The idea of fences has outraged some residents, but the council says they may be necessary on health and safety grounds.

If nothing else, the proposal has galvanised the community.

Ms Walter said: "A majority are against any development on Purdown. Kids need playing fields but we need our open spaces.

"We're starting a petition to present to the council and we're organising signature collecting volunteers."

No planning application has yet been made. When and if it is, say the council, all affected properties will be notified.