RESIDENTS living in a village near Andover are fighting to save the only open green space in their neighbourhood.

For Hatherden village residents, the green space in The Close is the only space they have for playing games and organising community social events.

Known by locals as the green or snicket, it has been used by generations since 1946 when Andover Rural District Council had the “foresight” to create an open space while building homes in The Close.

Unfortunately for the residents, Aster has been considering selling parts of the land at The Close in an auction.

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When they became aware of this plan in early 2021, the residents contacted Tangley Parish Council and borough council leader Phil North in an attempt to save the green.

The council immediately acted by registering the area as a village green, and then with support from Cllr North, it successfully negotiated to purchase some of the space from Aster to save the village green.

The council has raised around £9,000 through grants and fundraising for the purchase of the land, but it is still in need to raise another £3,000 to cover the legal fees.

Lawrence Leask, a resident of The Close, said the houses in the street have “extremely” small gardens and they are in desperate need of this open space.

He said: “The Close is the most densely populated area in the parish. Covid highlighted many things, particularly the importance of safe open spaces.

“But what a shame that land brought with taxpayers’ money that is set aside as an open space for the community is then transferred to a charitable housing association and ends up being sold for profit.

“The residents really need this land for our community.”

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If this site is sold, the nearest open space for Hatherden residents is in Wildhern village, which is about one mile away.

Lawrences says the journey to the Wildhern site is dangerous for children as half of the route is along a narrow country lane with no permanent pavement or street lighting, and a 60mph speed limit.

If you would like to help, visit the crowdfunding page at gofundme.com/f/save-the-close-green-hatherden or you can make a donation directly to the parish council by emailing clerk.tangley@parish.hants.gov.uk.

An Aster Group spokesperson said: “We regularly review our outdoor spaces, and any land that we believe to be underused is considered for sale.

“We understand that this green space is important to local people, so we agreed to sell the land to Tangley Parish Council in 2021. We’ve been working to arrange this with the parish council over the last two years, and will continue to work with them closely to make sure the sale goes ahead for the local community.

“The proceeds from any sales are reinvested in both our existing homes and so we can build more affordable homes as part of our commitment as a landlord with a social purpose.”