MORE than 300 people gathered outside St Helens Town Hall ON Wednesday evening, to protest about the council's proposals to allow developments on greenbelt sites across the borough.

Campaigners opposing the plans came from across the town to make their voices heard on Victoria Square ahead of the full council meeting at 6.15pm.

Drums, whistles, shouts and banners were all used as protesters from Rainford, Rainhill, Haydock, Billinge, Eccleston, Garswood and Windle turned out in force.

Children banging drums and holding up signs screaming Save our Greenbelt could be seen at the front of the crowd, which loudly booed councillors as they entered the town hall, where they were discussing this year's budget.

Speaking outside, David O’Keefe from the Green Party, said: “People in St Helens have gathered today because they are fed up of not being listened to.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg, if the council don’t start listening and alter the local plan in regards to the greenbelt or scrap the plan altogether this will be one of many protests.

“It’s a great turn out today because people care about the greenbelt and they are tired of not being listened to and being antagonised on social media.

“The greenbelt should not even be considered until all brownfield sites have been exhausted.”

St Helens Council is proposing releasing swathes of green belt so 4,000 houses can potentially be built on the land over 30 years as part of its local plan.