'Romans' to stage eco-town protest in Leicestershire » Environment » 24dash.com

Hundreds of "Romans" are expected to walk along a Leicestershire road this weekend in a protest against a proposed eco-town in the area.

The rally is expected to make its way along the Gartree Road in south-east Leicestershire, through a site shortlisted as a possible location for a new eco-town.

A 4,000-acre area of farmland owned by the Co-operative Group, along with 100 acres owned by English Partnerships near Great Glen in Leicestershire, has been proposed as a location for one of the new towns named Pennbury.

Pennbury was one of 15 locations in a shortlist published on April 3 by the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Saturday's protest walk has been organised by the Campaign Against the Stoughton Co-op Eco Town (CASCET).

They will join members of the Leicestershire & Rutland Walking Group of the Ramblers Association.

It is hoped all the walkers will dress in something Roman - including togas and soldier uniforms - as they walk over the area identified as a possible site for the 15,000-home new town.

Walkers will start from nearby locations including Houghton, Thurnby, Great Glen, Burton Overy and Oadby, and meet up for a Mass Heritage Rally at about noon in Great Stretton.

There will then be short talks from county archaeologist Peter Liddle, local Heritage Warden and historian Dr Graham Jones; and ornithologist David Scott.

There will also be speeches from Harborough MP Edward Garnier and CASCET chairman and local county councillor Kevin Feltham, on the campaign opposing the eco-town plans.