A Wellington beauty spot is set to be handed over to the town by a South West property developer.

The Basins, near the sports centre, is a popular area for dog walkers, ramblers and anglers and, for many years, the site was owned by textile firm Fox Bros.

It was bought up by developer Courtleigh Securities in March 2000. And now the company hopes to donate the historic amenity to the town if all of its proposals go to plan.

Director Graham Tyson told the Somerset County Gazette: "As soon as we find that we don't need the Basins, I will offer the freehold to the people of Wellington because it is a local amenity and should be enjoyed by all. It is a stunning area and I look forward to it being community-owned."

Courtleigh Securities is hoping to turn the former Fox Bros factory site into housing and business units and is working on resolving a number of planning requirements, including a flooding issue.

The firm's present development plans do not involve the Basins and, if the situation does not change, it is hoped the area will be given to the town council within 12 months.

For the full story, see this week's Somerset County Gazette.