A GROSMONT pensioner narrowly escaped death when a construction lorry reversed over his mobility scooter, crushing it.

Only the man's quick reaction in throwing himself off the scooter saved his life. He is now recovering at home after his narrow escape.

Grosmont residents who fear that Monmouthshire County Council's housing plans will endanger pensioners and children were shocked to hear about the accident involving one of Poorscript Lane's residents, who is in his eighties.

The day before, community group Action for Sustainable Grosmont had met with George Ashworth, MCC Head of Planning, to discuss what they insist is an unsafe and unsustainable plan to build on the meadow at the end of Poorscript Lane.

Resident Susanna Jones said: "The majority of people who live on our lane are either pensioners or young families. The village has no playground, and cars need to park on the pavement, so the road is always used by pedestrians as well as by children playing.

"We fear that if the council don't listen to us, and send first construction traffic and then up to 30 new residents' cars down our road, the next time someone will be killed."

Welsh Assembly guidelines say that building on greenfield sites should be avoided wherever possible, and that residents' physical and mental heath must be taken into account when planning new housing.

But the planners favour the Poorscript Lane site for development under the Monmouthshire LDP, despite the fact that there is an alternative infill site in the village that would not affect its most vulnerable residents.

Clerk of the Community Council Bob Wilcox commented: 'We're grateful to George Ashworth for taking the time to listen to our concerns.

"We hope we have persuaded him that this is a wholly unsuitable site, and that the council need to look again at their plans. Although there may be a need for some affordable local housing, the village cannot sustain a development of this size.'

Villagers say that Grosmont's lack of employment and public transport mean that singling it out for development is misguided.

Said the secretary of the action group: "You have to drive for half an hour to get into any town, and some people commute for two hours a day. Sustainable development means looking at jobs, transport and services when planning housing."

A petition against the proposed development was submitted to MCC, with over 140 people registering their objections. Action for Sustainable Grosmont say they will continue their campaign to change the plans, promoting alternative proposals in tune with the needs of the community.

Local County Councillor Andrew James, who was also present at the meeting, has expressed his full support for the villagers' cause.