VISITORS of a popular open space are celebrating after gaining protection for the site.

A campaign was launched in order to save Fox's Field from being sold off to potential developers.

But campaigners have done a joint sigh of relief as an application to make the field an asset of community value was granted under the Localism Act 2011.

“It’s fantastic that so many local people were galvanized into action,” said Anita Roy, of Wellington Mills community interest company - which led the ACV application process.

Taunton Deane Borough Council acted really swiftly, once we got the papers in, and they have been very helpful throughout.”

Local residents who use the field for walking, running and exercising dogs began an online petition - which now has over 500 signatures - when they realised that it was being offered for sale for the first time in almost 20 years.

Gina Deacon, who started the petition, said: “When Tonedale Mill is re-developed, there will still be a need, to enjoy a safer, environmentally good access path into Wellington. The main road is busy with heavy traffic, not an enjoyable healthy walk into town.

“This field offers a footpath, safe away from that noise; it is very much a local beauty spot. To sell it for development, would lose all it currently offers, not just for now, but the future.

“For me personally as a disabled person, it allows me somewhere where I can walk with my dog freely. I feel safe in Fox's Field, relaxed enjoy the peace, the birds, the fresh air. It is an oasis of calm, which I believe many people enjoy.”

The campaigners at Tonedale now have about a month with the option to trigger a six-month "protected window" for fund-raising and making a bid to the owner, during which time the land cannot be sold to anyone else.

Estate agents Greenslade Taylor Hunt were asking for offers of around £80,000 for the eight acre-field which is being sold by the company that owned Fox Bros factory when it first closed 25 years ago. It has since sold the mill buildings to other developers but retained the two fields - which were once used by factory workers for football matches.