CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Shaftesbury's historic Gold Hill from development are urging people to turn out in force at a meeting on Monday.

Organisers have already gathered more than 400 names on a petition and prompted dozens of people to write in protest against the proposals next to the Mitre pub.

Hampshire-based developer Friday Street Ltd wants to build a block of nine flats high on the hill.

But the move to change the cobbled hillside - made famous in the Hovis TV advert - has been condemned by town councillors and residents.

If the development goes ahead it is likely to ruin the spectacular view of the Blackmore Vale, which attracts thousands of tourists, say objectors.

The application is being discussed at a meeting of the town's Community Forum at the Friends Meeting House at 7pm.

Campaigner Alexandra Howarth-Jones said: "It's a site of great historical importance. There's a lot of local history there and it should be kept.

"Loads of people have written letters of objection - I don't know anyone who is in favour of it except the developer."

Other issues on the agenda include ongoing parking problems in the town.

Town councillor Anthony Morris said: "People have stopped coming to Shaftesbury because parking is so bad and the shopkeepers are really suffering.

"A county council survey has shown there is a lack of parking spaces but the district council says it will not provide more until they have carried out another survey when the new Tesco is built."

The Gold Hill proposals are set to be discussed by district councillors next month.

First published: Oct 6