THE future of a cherished green space in Rochester is secure, according to a senior Medway councillor.

Campaigners have been battling for months to protect Watts Meadow, since developers started building nearby.

A Facebook campaign has attracted more than 400 members.

Speaking at a meeting of Medway Urban Parks and Green Spaces Forum, Councillor Howard Doe, Medway Council's portfolio holder for housing and community services reassured campaigners that Watts Meadow will be protected.

Mr Doe said: "We are trying to keep our green spaces. It is a battle we are always going to have to fight.

"The council owns the area and it is in the plan as open space. If the council want to sell it, they would have to change the local plan. It is a non-starter.

"We still have a lot of land that can be developed and that's where it makes sense to develop."

He added that he would personally fight any move to build on the site.

Last month developers closed a pathway between Ethelbert Road and Priestfields but Mr Doe dispelled fears that contractor Bellway were going to "build all over it." He said: "I think Bellway did not want people walking on the site in case there is an accident and they are liable."

Adding that work was under way to have the footpath officially designated as a right of way, he said: "There is a certain amount of embarrassment about the speed at which Bellway acted to put the path out of action."

Campaigner Nigel Adams, 44, of Rochester Avenue is unconvinced. He said that, despite verbal reassurance, the site does not have any firm legal protection.

Mr Adams said: "All the time they own it, they have got the option of getting a developer to buy it.

"I am trying to keep people fighting for the status of the land rather than just having to react to developments."