CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build holiday lodges close to the Three Counties Showground have gone right to the top in their quest for support.

The Save Langdale Wood campaign had written to Princess Anne, patron of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, urging her to oppose the plan.

The society originally applied to build 50 lodges and a reception building in the wood, but this was turned down by Malvern Hills District Council in January. A second application, with the number of lodges reduced to 40, is now under consideration.

After the first plan was refused, the society closed off access to the public, citing safety reasons. An application was made to have the wood declared an asset of community value, but it was turned down in March.

The letter to the Princess Royal says: "The Wildlife Trusts, of which your brother HRH Prince of Wales is a patron, have just launched their Nature Recovery Network to protect, join up and enhance the fragments of nature that remain in Britain. It is there to help reverse the decline of wildlife.

"This is a fantastic initiative that a charitable organisation such as the Three Counties should be championing and supporting. We urge you to bring this initiative to the attention of Ken Nottage, CEO for the Three Counties, and ask that you request he reconsiders the planning proposal."

The group is organising a protest on Friday, May 11, outside the RHS Spring Show from 9am until 1pm. Supporters are asked to come along and bring drums, whistles and animal masks.

The campaigners also described the society as "shameful" for talks with Malvern Community Forest over the future of the site.

A statement issued by the society yesterday said: "A private meeting, arranged by Malvern Hills District Council, was held with Malvern Community Forest.

"At the meeting we made it clear we have always been happy to allow permissive access to our woods so that the local community can enjoy them.

"We also explained we intended to open the woods once they had been made safe. It was only when an application to register the woods as a community asset was made that we were legally advised to keep the woods closed in order to protect our ownership.

"Taking on board the community’s desire to use the woods, we discussed an exciting joint venture of developing a woodland trail. In harmony with our lodge development, we discussed involving the expertise of Malvern Community Forest to allow the local community to enjoy the facility again. Our planning application still includes a designated route for dog walkers.

"The Three Counties Agricultural Society is committed to open and honest discussion and is looking at ways to diversify its charitable work promoting agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture.

"We are committed to working closely with Malvern Hills District Council and the community to ensure any proposals sit in harmony with the surrounding environment."