RESIDENTS have united to fight a proposed motorway service station which threatens to destroy 43 acres of ancient woodland in the green belt.

The proposed Motorway Service Area (MSA) on the A355 near Junction 2 of the M40 has provoked fury among environmental groups and road safety campaigners who claim it is totally unsuitable for its proposed position.

The MSA, being put forward by Texaco, is an 'off-line' service area meaning that motorists need to leave the motorway and access the local road network to enter the site.

More than 200 people packed into Farnham Common Infant School on Tuesday evening for an update on how to oppose the scheme with advice from South Bucks District Councillor Michael Sheasby (Con, Farnham Royal) and Bucks county councillor Rodney Royston (Con, Farnham Common).

A public inquiry into the plans was due to begin in early May but has been cancelled due to legal reasons.

The plans will now go to a government inquiry along with proposals for five other service stations on the M25, M40 and M4 at a date still to be decided.

Peter Gallacher, Secretary of the Beaconsfield Trees and Town Group, said he was extremely concerned about the environmental impact of such a scheme.

He added: "We are totally opposed to this scheme.

"The ancient woodland that would be destroyed if the plans get the go-ahead is very important to the community."

Colin Snowden , chairman of the A355 Action Group, said the public across the district must unite and write to the Planning Inspectorate to have the best chance of resisting the scheme.

He added: "I want to be able to go and tell planners that I have the full support of this community.

"When you have 15,000 vehicles per day using a service area clashing with 20,000 vehicles already using the A355, it is highly unsatisfactory that there should be an 'off-line MSA."

Mr Snowden said he was not optimistic about the prospect of victory but said people should write to the Planning Inspectorate.

A Texaco spokesman was not available to comment this week.

Residents opposed to the scheme should write to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 1007, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol, BS2 9DJ, quoting ref APP/NO410/A/00/1039103