Campaigners do not want the field to make way for housing

Wrexham Council has said it is looking at the possibility of selling part of Nine Acre field to build homes.

A group has been set up to try to save playing fields in the county in response.

However, the local authority say the housing proposal is at the very early stages and they want the public's opinion.

"In Wales we've got no protection for our playing fields," said Lynne Hayes, founder of Save Open Spaces Wales.

They shouldn't touch an open space. The town needs its lungs and the children need exercise Glenys Hywel-Jones

"I know how much the under-eights run around and they need space," she said.

"How can we say children are getting fatter and fatter if we're selling the playing fields?"

The Nine Acre field has been predominantly used by children from the Groves High School.

However, the school has now closed under a �20m scheme to make two 'super' schools in the town.

A draft consultation by the council says that from next January the site will no longer be required for educational purposes.

Lynne Hayes has started a petition to try to protect the field

The council is asking for local opinions on two proposals.

One is to build housing on a fifth of the site and the second is to develop a third of the site.

However, people living nearby say the field is not just used by school children and it should be preserved for future generations.

"They shouldn't touch an open space. The town needs its lungs and the children need exercise," said Glenys Hywel-Jones.

"There are football matches held there and after school children come and kick balls around on their own.

"I'm horrified that the council could be arrogant enough to possibly lay their hands on it."

Ms Hywel-Jones has lived in her home near the field for nearly 50 years and was a teacher at Grove Park Grammar School.

"The children are better gathering on the field than standing on street corners," she added.

Wrexham Council Leader Shan Wilkinson said "it could stay as a playing field but it isn't a very good playing field and it isn't used much."

Wrexham Council has asked to receive people's comments by 14 May.