Newport 'village green' inquiry hears barrister sum up

Barrister Daniel Stedman-Jones said that green land next to Station Road has been used by the general public for activities including cycling, bird watching, picnicking and ball games during the last 20 years.

Mr Stedman-Jones made the claim in his closing statement at a public inquiry to determine whether the area should be re-classified as a village green.

Resident John Rudd made the application to block plans for a 50,000 sq ft Sainsbury's supermarket which Telford & Wrekin Council wants built there.

The local authority, which is opposing the village green bid, stands to gain £21 million in land sales if the supermarket plan goes ahead.

If the village green application is successful the land would be forever saved from development.

Mr Stedman-Jones, representing Mr Rudd at yesterday's inquiry, held at Meeting Point House in Telford, said: "This is an area of valuable open countryside by the A518 bypass upon which the public have been able to partake in recreational activities in the past 20 years and beyond.

"We have called 32 witnesses who have used the land for all manner of different sports and pastimes.

However, Douglas Edwards QC, representing Telford & Wrekin Council, said the majority of people only used the area for the walkways connecting Newport with Telford and Church Aston and not for recreational activities.

To win village green status Mr Rudd has to prove 'lawful sporting pastimes' have taken place on the land for a 20 year period.

Mr Edwards said: "It is plain that the overwhelming majority of users confined themselves to the paths."

Government inspector Ross Crail is expected to make her decision in the New Year.

By Joseph Masi