ECO-WARRIORS vowed to halt the development of Crystal Palace Park and said they will lie in front of bulldozers when workers move in. The pledge was made on Sunday when the Ridge Wildlife Group held a rally to show solidarity against the scheme. Campaigners are encamped in an `eco-village' at the park and are supported by residents determined to stop a £58 million cinema and restaurant complex being built.

Businesswoman Sue Nagle, 45, left the Crystal Palace Campaign at the beginning of this year. She now devotes a lot of time to supporting the eco-warriors. She said: "People will lie down in front of bulldozers. The campaign is working to achieve a legal solution. But, if that fails, there's no back-up. We have got to be ready for it.

"We don't believe in putting all our eggs in one basket. After mixing with the eco-warriors you realise they are so committed. The strength of feeling up here is incredible. She said the number of campaigners could swell into hundreds and added: "They will bring people in from other areas when the developers come in."

Eco-warrior Clive, 43, also known as Weasel, said when protestors moved in: "This area is ideal for tunnelling. Our aim is to stop this development and we also hope to make it as expensive as possible for big businesses who will be making a profit from it."

Brian Turpin, marketing manager of the leisure services department at Bromley Council, said: "It's down to the squatters and how they leave the site that will dictate how much costs we incur. It's unfortunate that some of the squatters have come from further afield and costs will have to be borne by local taxpayers. We are surprised that people who normally advocate the defence of green spaces want to prevent the regeneration of a green site which will bring large benefits to the area and create 1,000 jobs."

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