Widdrington Station residents win battle to keep green

They went through the statutory process of seeking official registration as a village green, and now county councillors have approved the application.

An objection had been submitted by local housing association Castle Morpeth Housing, which inherited the land from the former borough council two years ago.

However, Castle Morpeth Housing decided not to pursue the objection, and now the county council's rights of way committee has conferred official village green status after holding a site visit.

Parish councillor Joe Sennett said: "Castle Morpeth Housing approached us some time ago about building bungalows in the village and we were interested, because we need new homes. However, when people found out that they wanted to build on the green all hell broke loose.

"This is one of the very few green areas we have in Widdrington Station and it was decided to officially register it as village green so that no-one can touch it in the future. Children play on it and it has just always been regarded as the village green. The whole village feels it should be kept as a recreational facility."

Members of the rights of way committee were told they should agree to the village green designation if they were satisfied that the requirements for registration had been met.

The villagers' application was backed by 28 supporting statements and a 73-name petition.

A spokesman for Castle Morpeth Housing said: "We objected to this application last September when it was first brought to our attention, as it relates to land we own.

"As a social landlord, spending public money, we are duty bound to look after all aspects of our property but, on this occasion, we decided not to pursue the matter further and were not represented at the hearing."