A desperate need for more affordable housing in Falmouth has led a group to start a petition calling for homes to be built on the town's recreation ground.

Families For Affordable Housing, which is made up of people from the Falmouth area, was set up as a response to the need for more affordable homes and is largely managed by mothers with young children in the Boslowick area of the town.

The plans to relocate Falmouth Rugby Club to Menehay have caused a large amount of opposition including from the Save the Rec campaign which wants to stop housing being built on the site.

Pippa Carlton, of Families For Affordable Housing, said: "When the Save the Rec campaign started we admired the strength of the campaigners. However we also believe that to brush the idea of affordable housing under the carpet was ridiculous when you consider how obvious it is that something needs to be done.

"So we thought let's not moan and do nothing, let's get out there and fight for it. That is just what we are trying to do basically. At the moment the petition is specific to the Rec. However there is no reason why it couldn't encompass Falmouth as a whole."

The group and its army of volunteers have been handing out petitions in favour of building affordable homes on the recreation ground.

The petitions are available mainly in the Boslowick area at the Boslowick Shop, the garage as well as being distributed in schools, Falmouth library and the post offices.

Pippa added: "We basically propose that now it looks likely the rugby club is moving let's not let it go in vain and use some of that fantastic campaign spirit to fight for something that is truly needed.

"A very high percentage of friends and acquaintances from our school years and beyond haven't been seen for a long time. Yes, some wanted to move away but many we are still in contact with all say the same thing: they miss their home towns and they miss Cornwall, but what can they do as they just can't afford to live here anymore."

Pippa said that the group has been encouraged by the positive responses from people in Falmouth and that people are starting to realise that the rugby club move is inevitable and that doing something positive for the families and their children in Falmouth is not such a bad idea.

She said: "I also believe there have been a lot of rumours and scare mongering going on about losing valuable space. Well I have spoken to Carrick and they have assured me that if the development goes ahead residents will still need open space and play/recreational facilities.

"I think also people forget we are within walking distance of some beautiful beaches. Kimberly Park was fought tooth and nail for but it's hardly bursting at the seems with people using it to its full potential. We live here to and fully appreciate Falmouth's recreational areas. Families For Affordable housing don't want to see this opportunity wasted and will continue to petition in support of Carrick's proposals."

If anyone is interested in signing the petition or helping with the Families for Affordable Housing campaign they can email the group at families4housing@tiscali.co.uk