COUNCILLORS in Dawlish have backed a move to save a popular green space and keep it open to the public.

More than 60 people attended a meeting of the town council at which the Save The Newhay petition of 1,542 signatures was presented to the Mayor Cllr Anthony James.

The Newhay, next to St Gregory’s Church, is Glebe land belonging to the Church of England but there is a question mark over its future since Teignbridge Council failed to renew its lease of the site.

Councillors voted, almost unanimously, in favour of a Notice of Motion, submitted by Cllr Rachel Hardy, to have the land registered as an Asset of Community Value.

Passionate supporters told councillors the Newhay was the only piece of land older people and those with disabilities can access easily because it is on the level and does not need a car to get to.

Roma Dillon Everest said: ‘To lose it would be catastrophic and quite frankly outrageous.’

It was pointed out by several people that there is no bus to the country park and no crossing near the country park entrance.

One speaker gave a very emotional account of how the peace and tranquility of the Newhay played a significant role in her recovery from a life threatening illness and more recently following bereavement.

Councillors recognised there may be problems associated with taking on responsibility for the land, particularly maintenance costs, insurance and liability issues.

Cllr Hardy said: ‘We need to proceed with caution but optimism.’

However, the Newhay also offers opportunities to become a community hub with the possibility of crating a community orchard.

Cllr Rosie Dawson said: ‘It is clear what the community desire.

‘Of course it brings risk, everything brings risk, but it also brings huge opportunity. Assets don’t have to be bricks and mortar.’

She also expressed her annoyance at the way the issue was handled by Teignbridge Council.

She said: ‘The portfolio holder should have approached Dawlish ward councillors.’

It was also suggested that forming a community group to look after the land may be a preferred option as it would be less restricted by legal, insurance and financial constraints.

Approval of the notice now means an allocated budget of up to £12,000 from Community Infrastructure Levy receipts to undertake ‘urgent due diligence to inform future town council decisions in respect of the Newhay’.

A group of four town councillors will ‘explore, communicate with the Diocese and consult with the public, with a report back to the town council for a decision on long-term viability’.

The petition says: ‘This land is a very popular public amenity, that is used by all ages for a number of different activities.

‘It is historically important to the town.

‘Increased house building on outskirts of Dawlish have taken away acres of green space, making the Newhay even more important to protect.’

Before the meeting, the Archdeacon of Exeter said he was ‘happy to confirm the wonderful green space next to St Gregory’s Church is Glebe Land owned by the Diocese of Exeter.

He said: ‘We are happy to work with the town council, district council, local church or other community group to find a short term or long term solution to ensuing the space continues to be available for the community.’