CAMPAIGNERS fighting to protect a green space in Weymouth have been discussing a plan of action with legal experts.

Members of the Society for the Protection of Markham and Little Francis are also organising more fundraising events to help pay for hefty legal fees.

The High Court will sit in Weymouth later in the summer to make a final decision on the future of the land between Westham and Wyke.

Developer Betterment Properties has bought the land and is challenging its town green status.

The society, which was resurrected earlier this year to fight moves by Betterment, is keen to ensure the voice of the community is heard when arguments are thrashed out at the High Court.

Society spokesman, county councillor Mike Byatt, said: "This case is well known nationally in the legal arena and we have already met with a solicitor from Birmingham who has the expertise dealing with town green applications.

"He is in touch with a barrister who is very interested in the case.

"Our discussions have been fruitful. We may even be able to get the barrister at a reduced price.

"However the costs involved are still significant and a number of events have been organised to help raise the money needed."

Coun Byatt added: "The community is still very much determined to safeguard the town green and the idea of obtaining legal advice is to establish what our chances are."

The next event is a barn dance at St Edmund's Church hall in Lanehouse Rocks Road, this Friday. Tickets are £10 for adults, £7 for under 16s, and young children go free.

A public meeting will be held at the same venue on Tuesday, July 1, to update residents on legal issues.

Meanwhile, the fields at Markham and Little Francis will be the setting for a family fun day on Sunday, July 13.

Full details are included in the society's newsletter.