AS Cornwall Council looks to offload pockets of its unused land, Calstock Parish councillors have agreed in principle to take over a field to save it for the community.

The council received a proposal from Cornwall Council with regards to Fosters’ Field, behind Gunnislake Primary School, asking if it would like to consider taking over the freehold of the field and access road on the basis that it agreed a suitable user agreement for the school.

Councillors discussed the proposal at a recent meeting of the full council.

Cllr Jim Wakem said: ‘I think it is essential that we do take it over, because if we don’t it could be lost. It is a big green belt in the middle of the village and more convenient for children to play in than the playing field. My only concern is with the access road.’

Cllr Dorothy Kirk said: ‘I would protect it if we possibly can. I think we will be safe in taking it over but it is high time we spent some decent money on it as a children’s facility.’

There were some concerns about the access road, as to who owned it and whether the council would have to maintain it and be liable for children using it as access to the school.

Cllr Dick Hoile said: ‘I will continue to support this idea. Yes, there will be some liability issues but if we don’t take it over the land will be lost to the community.’

Cllr Kirk added: ‘We can look to building into any contract various conditions that will be binding in the future.’

Councillors agreed in principle to the parish council taking over the freehold of the field and access road. The recreations committee will now look at the details of the proposal and will make recommendations to the council in due course. Cllr Kirk suggested building in a clause that states the field should continue to be left in perpetuity for the community to use.