Angry residents want to preserve the open space in Blackbird Road and say it is a vital amenity despite being kept behind locked gates for seven years.

City councillors are considering plans for 320 low-cost homes to be built on the playing field, which is owned by Gateway College and the council.

The proposals are not set to be considered until May.

Adrian Allsop, a resident and member of the local church, said: "We feel we're a forgotten estate, we've got no facilities for the elderly, for children or for youths - we just feel neglected.

I'm not saying don't build houses but if they do then they must give something back Kathleen Chantrill, campaigner

"We accept that they are going to build on the playing fields but we would like some community facilities for the area."

The city council says that the proposals are still at a very early stage.

Kathleen Chantrill, from the Blackbird Road Playing Fields Action Group, said: "I feel once we lose this space there's no more green space in the area and we do need facilities.

"The residents feel that we pay our rates and our taxes the same as everybody else but we have absolutely nothing.