RESIDENTS trying to safeguard an open space from unlikely development have been given a massive boost by Petersfield Town Council.

A request to transfer the ownership and maintenance of North Meadow to the town council has been been provisionally backed by councillors.

Concerns over development and access have surrounded the land ever since Beechcroft Developments got the nod to build Merritts Meadow.

People fear the wooded area north of the former railway embankment could be sealed off because the planning agreement wasn't checked properly.

But it seems that Beechcroft is willing to hand over the keys to the authority with a little persuasion from East Hampshire District Council.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.