Trespass sign loses village green battle

A local campaign group claimed they had a right to use the field

A "no trespassing" sign which was ignored by residents from a Denbighshire tourist town for years has thwarted plans to safeguard land from a housing development.

Residents claimed the fact they had been using the Llangollen playing field for 30 years gave them a legal right to the area.

I'm really upset because we put so much work in and it was our last chance to save the field

Helen McGreery Resident

However, an independent inspector has ruled against them.

Campaigners said they were "disappointed" with the decision.

A planning application has already been granted to build 50 new homes on and around the Willow Hill site.

The playing fields have been used for sport and leisure since the early 1970s.

A local campaign group called 'Save Our Green Fields' had claimed that they had a right to use the field.

They say they have indulged in sports and pastimes on the site for around 20 years.

New houses could be built on the field

The campaign's chairwoman, Helen McGreery said the decision was a blow for the community.

"I'm really upset because we put so much work in and it was our last chance to save the field.

"It's terrible to take away a children's playing field."

Since the early 70s members of the local youth club and the Arosfa Football Club have been allowed to use the site.

Trespassing

Campaigners have said this suggests the local community could lay claim to the area.

However, in his report to councillors planning inspector Vivian Chapman said residents could not lay claim to the field.

According to the inspector, signs at the field warning "Trespassing and the playing of golf prohibited" meant residents cannot claim to have a legal right to the field.

"In my view, the appropriate signs have been posted in the present case since the later 1980s," he said.

"Although the county councils tolerated harmless informal recreational use of the application land, it does not appear to me that they consented to it."

Mr Chapman launched his inquiry in May and heard from people for and against the proposal.

The Willow Hill field is owned jointly by Denbighshire County Council and development company Taymove Limited.