Residents are “spooked” by surveillance being carried out by a charity on land it wants to redevelop.

Walton Charity has applied twice to develop its own land in Severn Drive which, if the latest plans are agreed, would see a two-storey office block built.

Neighbours, who walk on the land, are fighting against the proposals and have become concerned after a security camera was installed and then removed.

More recently, residents claimed a man was spotted parked in a car on the edge of the green monitoring its use. People who use the land first noticed the man on Saturday, and thought he was counting visitors.

However, residents said he would not say who he was working for.

Mick Flannigan, of Rydens Road, said: “I’m assuming that this latest surveillance has been organised by Walton Charity.

“If so, it’s not only underhand, in my opinion, but it’s clearly spooking some local people.”

A surveillance camera, attached to a tree on the land, had not been confirmed to be the charity’s doing until now.

Jackie Lodge, chief executive of Walton Charity, said: “In order to assess how the land is currently used and how we can landscape and improve the open space for future use, we have put in place various monitoring procedures, including CCTV and a footfall survey.

“The land is primarily used for dogwalking and as a short cut from Severn Drive and Rydens Road.

“We will be ensuring that these uses are preserved and enhanced, as well as being able to accommodate our charity house.”

Walton Charity wants to build offices on 39 per cent of their land, but have yet to win over those who live in the surrounding area.