Residents of Thanington are hoping people power will win the day in their battle to stop Canterbury’s fourth park and ride site being built on their rec.

They pressed their message home by presenting a 2,000-strong petition to the Lord Mayor, Cllr Carolyn Parry.

A 55-seater coach took protesters to the Guildhall to support Jo Ryan, chairman of Thanington Residents’ Association.

She presented the petition to Cllr Parry and told the city council meeting: “While we appreciate no decisions have been made we feel it important that you are aware of the strength of feeling, not only of Thanington residents but of people across the district.”

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Eighty years ago the council bought the recreation ground to provide the residents of Thanington and the surrounding areas with a green open space.

Jo told councillors that 10 years ago Thanington was a troubled estate, with high levels of anti-social behaviour and youth-centred crime, often caused by bored teenagers.

“It is hard to measure the benefits of Thanington rec and its facilities in financial terms,” she said.

“But the social can be measured by the huge reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour, by the fact that no properties stand empty and that a real sense of community has returned.

“Taking the facilities away will undo all the good that has been done.”

The petition will be discussed at the council’s executive meeting on Thursday, November 6.