RICHMOND Town Council is to take over the lease of an area of grassland on the outskirts of the town.

Members of Richmondshire District Council’s Corporate Board agreed to lease the 4.2 acres it owns at Whitefields to the town council – and include the option to buy the land within the first five years.

It will also include a restrictive covenant to ensure it remains as recreational and amenity land.

They were told that the grassland which borders Richmond School had been leased to the town’s Football Club until two years ago.

Since then is has been maintained by the district council.

Council Leader, Councillor Angie Dale, said: “The town council has some innovative and exciting ideas for this land which will see it used by the local community for years to come.

“I wish them the best of luck with this new venture which will ensure an area of green land is retained in the town.”