SUPPORTERS of a campaign to buy a town's open spaces have been celebrating after a council committee confirmed the decision to sell the land.

Members of Richmondshire Landscape Trust had feared their bid to buy Richmond's Westfield, South Bank, Sleegill, Reeth Road and Jack King's Wood from the district council was in jeopardy after committee papers revealed the council appeared to be talking about a lease, rather than a freehold deal.

But at a meeting of the resources committee on Tuesday, councillors rejected the move to transfer open spaces under a leasehold and confirmed the decision to sell the land.

Richmondshire Open Spaces Appeal (Rosa) has been fundraising since April to raise the £120,000 needed to secure the land, which is being sold by the council as part of an asset review.

They have already raised more than £13,000 and a number of fundraising initiatives are under way.

A leaflet drop throughout the Richmond area was put on hold until the decision was made. It will begin next week.

Rosa spokesman Stuart Parsons said yesterday: "We are very grateful to the resources committee for their strong message of support.

"Council leader John Blackie has always been committed to this project and that commitment was very much in evidence last night. We are very grateful for his help, support and guidance.

"We also must thank Councillor Richard Dunn who has worked closely with Rosa on this matter.

"It was a great night for Richmondshire.

"These lands will now be protected for ever and will remain available for the whole community."