A sand artist has made a political statement regarding the plans for Skernignham Woods in Darlington by writing in huge letters on Saltburn beach.

Campaigners remain concerned over the future over a woodland despite Darlington Borough Council’s assurances that it will be “protected and preserved.”

Due to the uncertainty, one local, Fred Brown, took to Saltburn beach and wrote: “No to road through Skerningham Woods Darlington” on Saturday, February 4.

The artwork also depicts wildlife including a deer and a fox next to diggers in an effort to drive home the controversy of the plans felt by many across Darlington.

The Northern Echo: Passers-by stopped to take pictures while the artwork was being created Passers-by stopped to take pictures while the artwork was being created (Image: Paul Waugh)

Read more: Concern over woodland's future despite it being 'saved' from garden village

A bid to safeguard the vast area of green space at Skerningham, to the North of Darlington, received a boost last week when councillors were told it had been ‘saved’ from felling as part of the proposed garden village development.

The council has also pledged to invest in the woodland to make it more accessible for residents.

Campaigners have reservations about what the recent announcement means for the future of the site, with fears that a new access road will be created through the woodland.

The latest design code for the development stated that a new distributor road between the A167 and A1150 (Whinfield Road) would be built.

The Northern Echo: Images of the artwork garnered a lot of attention on social media from Darlington residentsImages of the artwork garnered a lot of attention on social media from Darlington residents (Image: Paul Waugh)

Read more: Skerningham woodland to be 'protected' from huge housing development

Planners say the road is needed to provide access for up to 1,650 houses and facilities such as a GP surgery and schools which could be built by 2036 in the area.

Up to 4,500 could be built on the site beyond that period.

The Skerningham Woodland Action Group says it has been told that if the local distributor road does not go through the woods, then it would render the road undeliverable.

Darlington Borough Council, however, says it is yet to make a final decision on the location of the road.

Read more: River Skerne in Darlington receives a well-needed clean-up by the Environment Agency

The impressive artwork has garnered a lot of attention on social media after pictures taken by impressed passers-by posted in the community Facebook group, You Know You’re From Darlo When.

Lisa Walker said: “Fantastic! Save Skernigham and fields from housing and roads.”

Elaine Armer said: “Brilliant and getting a message to people.”

Leanne Carroll said: “Great photos and footage. We will save ALL of Skerningham. Just takes time. Little by little. We will never give up!”

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