CIRENCESTER Town Council could buy a popular playing field in Cirencester in a move it says it wants to make in order to ensure the area is kept available for community use.

Gloucestershire County Council have decided to sell the Victoria Road site and have invited those interested to contact them.

Users of the playing field, which is popular with families home to an annual bonfire, are worried that it could be destroyed by a property developer building homes on it.

The town council has stepped forward and expressed an interest in buying the site and has explored options for it such as landscaping it so it becomes an entrance way into nearby green space City Bank.

It has also suggested that the site could be used for allotment plots, and a space to grow plants and provide training opportunities for projects it works with, which are involved in environmental improvements.

Office services manager at the Town Council, Johan Newman, said: “We look forward to seeing a community led solution for future use and ownership.

“In drawing up the expression of interest, the Town Council liaised with a wide range of community groups and stakeholders and in doing so has explored various future land based options.

“As a key entranceway into City Bank the land could provide a valuable training resource notably in conservation skills and horticulture.”