CONTROVERSY over the future of council-owned land in Richmond could be settled at a meeting next week.

Government guidelines have obliged local authorities to examine their assets and sell what they do not need.

It was feared sale boards could go up over Westfield, an ancient site on the edge of town.

But residents voiced strong opposition to the loss of the pasture land and more than 100 people turned up at meeting last month.

As a result, Richmondshire District Council agreed to examine alternatives.

On Tuesday, proposals will be put forward which would see Westfield, along with Jack King's Wood, another field off Reeth Road, and fields at Sleegill and South Bank at Richmond Castle, sold to Richmond Town Council for subsequent transfer to a charitable trust.

If councillors agree with the idea, the decision will have to be advertised and the public given an opportunity to comment.

However, if there are no objections, the district council would accept payment from the town's administration over the next three years.

Since December's meeting, English Nature and The National Trust have indicated they have no interest in taking over stewardship of the piece of land.

However, The Woodland Trust has registered provisional interest in an educational scheme for Westfield, Jack King's Wood and the field off Reeth Road.