THE safeguarding of a town's historic open spaces could be a step nearer next week.
Richmondshire Landscape Trust wants to buy sites in Richmond's Westfield, South Bank, Sleegill, Reeth Road and Jack King's Wood from the district council to protect them for future generations.
At a meeting on Thursday, council officers will ask for authorisation to sell the 88 acres of agricultural land to the community group.
Richmondshire Open Spaces Appeal has been working since April to raise the £120,000 needed to buy the land.
They have already raised more than £40,000 - enough for the down-payment - and spokesman Stuart Parsons said he was confident the rest of the money could be found.
If councillors agree to the sale, it is hoped the deal can be signed on November 22.
The second payment would then be due in September 2005, with the third required a year later.
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