PROTESTORS are planning a show of force at a council committee meeting over plans to sell off public land in Richmond.

The Westfields site is thought to date back to medieval times and is popular with dog walkers and ramblers, but its future is uncertain after Richmondshire District Council officials announced they were considering selling the land.

The council is acting in response to new Government guidelines, which said that local authorities should be prepared to consider the sale of any assets not being used.

Officers have recommended that if the land is not required for recreational use or an extension to the cemetery, they will consider the disposal of Westfields.

Councillors will discuss the issue at a meeting of the resources committee next month with 300 protestors planning to attend to demonstrate against the recommendations.

Residents have been assured by councillors that if Westfields was sold, it would not be built on, but a campaign group, Richmond Open Spaces Association, has been formed to fight for it to be retained.

Chairman of the group, Frank Gibbon, said: "We think that there could be between 200 and 300 people turning up to the meeting. We believe that councils are influenced by public opinion and public opinion is best shown by writing or turning up and voicing an objection.

"These are places which belong to the people of Richmond and they are beautiful areas. They should be kept for the benefit of the people.

"Please attend the meeting if you are concerned for the future of these beautiful parts of Richmond's heritage."

The council's asset review will also look at two shop units on Cutpurse Lane, in Richmond, two shops in Colburn, farmland near Sleegill and Reeth Road, in Richmond, and King Jack's Wood, in the Round Howe area.

The committee is meeting in the Middle School Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday, December 11.