A PLEA has been issued from West Moors Parish Council for a much-loved patch of land under threat of development to be designated a village green.

In a desperate bid to save Petwyn Green from being turned into offices or a bistro and artists' studio the parish council has submitted an application to Dorset County Council to make it an official village green.

Among the evidence submitted to the county council are around 200 questionnaires, which have been filled in by people who use the green, stating how long they've been using it and for what purpose.

To qualify it will have to have been used habitually for sport and recreation for 20 years.

The small patch of land has grass, trees and shrubs and hosts benches and a war memorial.

Barry Wye, chairman of West Moors Parish Council, said: "It is used every year for a remembrance day service and carol singing, people use it to walk their dogs, meet friends and take their children on the way home from school.

"I haven't come across anyone in the village who wants development there to go ahead.

"We hope that by submitting this application the county council will at least give us a temporary leave."

The county council is expected to consider the application over the coming weeks and speak to the landowner to see whether he has any objections to it.

First published: August 27