CAMPAIGNERS in Trevethin are stepping up efforts to stop a social landlord from building houses on a green used by children for generations.

Families have used the open space near the 200-house St Cadoc’s Estate since the sixties at least, according to the neighbourhood watch.

Now Bron Afon Community Housing is planning to put up six houses on the Mount Road green, which has also been used for community events including fetes.

More than 20 people have signed a petition against the development which, according to Bron Afon, would occupy 44 per cent of the green.

Campaigners are calling for the open space to be protected by having it registered it as a town green.

St Cadoc’s Neighbourhood Watch chairman Steven Squires, 60, said: “People have been playing there since I moved to the area in the sixties.

“A lot of people are saying we need that green.

“The community holds events on that field as well. They have fairs. They’re planning to take that away from us as well.

“I think people have got to fight for the children.”

Former Communities First development officer Vic Warren has helped residents with their campaign.

Mr Warren, 70, of Folly Lane, St Cadoc’s, said: “I haven’t met anybody who wants the houses.

“We realise that affordable and rentable housing is needed but there are other places.”

Bron Afon community housing unveiled a play area for young children next to the green about three years ago.

The play area would be left untouched if the housing development was given the go-ahead.

Bron Afon project manager Robert Panou said: “The new development will provide much-needed homes in the area, as well as retaining an open space for local residents.

“We recognise the importance open space plays in communities, which is why our plans include the retention of the majority of the space for community use.

“We would welcome input from local residents on how this can best be utilised for future generations.”

Torfaen council confirmed on Monday that Bron Afon had submitted plans to build five two-bedroom houses and a three-bedroom house at the location and a Torfaen planning meeting is expected to take place on August 12 or September 16.