THE land in Cotford St Luke that was headed for auction has now been secured by a council.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) announced they had decided to buy the land, subject to contract, for £50,000.

The four acres of land is being sold by the NHS to put vital funds back into the health service.

Cotford St Luke Parish Council were not asked if they wanted to buy the land before the auction was announced. And so they started a fundraiser last week in an attempt to buy the land.

READ MORE: Cotford St Luke Parish Council's Crowdfunder to save green space

However, SWT have now secured the land at Dene Road and so it has been withdrawn from auction.

SWT are now working with the parish council to ensure the land stays in public ownership.

t will be used to "help deliver the councils commitment to the climate and ecological emergencies through environmental protection".

Cotford St Luke Parish Council spokesperson said: "We would like to thank the many residents who supported our recent attempts to protect the NHS land for the local community. Your contributions have been invaluable."