A DECISION on the future of land at the edge of Richmond has been delayed after more than 70 protestors packed a public meeting.

The three fields at Westfields, which are thought to date back to Medieval times, are popular with local dog walkers and ramblers following the coast-to-coast route.

But the publication of new Government guidelines demanding councils take a more robust approach to managing their land holdings has embroiled the fields in controversy for the first time in their peaceful history.

The guidelines demand that local authorities demonstrate they are prepared to consider the sale of any assets which are lying idle.

In response, Richmondshire District Council's resources committee is considering the future of a number of sites.

The council is looking at the possible sale of two shop units on Richmond's Cutpurse Lane, two shops in Colburn, farmland near Richmond's Reeth Road and Sleegill and King Jack's Wood in the Round Howe area.

But a recommendation that the authority sells Westfields has caused the most outcry.

Speaking at the public meeting, chairman of the Richmond and District Civic Society, Bev Joicey urged the council to put off a vote until it had consulted the wider public.

This suggestion was supported by Councillor Clive World, who won committee members' support for holding an open meeting before any decision is taken.

However, Councillor Richard Dunn suggested the council may still have to go ahead with the sale.

"This is something we are being forced to look at by the Government and every district council throughout the country will have to do exactly the same,'' he said.

Coun Dunn added that, even if it is sold, Westfields will still be offered as grazing land and not for arable farming or development.

"It is very steep and whoever buys it will have to keep it in very much the state it is," he said.

"I would like to see the thistles and weeds removed but it is not going to be bought by someone who will plant 40 acres of cereal."