CAMPAIGNERS have taken their battle to save woodland to councillors.

Members of Save Longhill Woods gathered outside Jubilee Library before presenting a petition of almost 1,400 signatures to Brighton and Hove City Council’s economic development and culture committee.

The campaigners fear that current planning legislation could see the beauty spot developed against resident’s wishes and warn that building on the site will cause “serious infrastructure problems” and destroy a “thriving wildlife corridor” which is home to badgers, bats, hedgehogs and slow-worms.

Campaigners say the land rear of Longhill Road has acted as a natural historical buffer between the villages of Ovingdean and Rottingdean for decades.

The group has gained the support of Conservative MP Simon Kirby and councillor Mary Mears with the latter speaking at the meeting in support of the group.