A COMPROMISE could be on the cards to save 50 acres of farmland near Bury's Chesham Woods from being developed into a golf course.

The possible solution emerged 24-hours after 70 placard-waving protesters staged a demonstration outside Bury Town Hall. Monday night's protest by the Chesham Meadows Action Committee coincided with a meeting of the local authority's land and economic sub-committee.

Campaigners want to block the sale of the land to nearby Lowes Golf Club which hopes to extend its course to 18 holes.

But locals, fearing the loss of a prime environmental area, are demanding the land be retained for agricultural and recreational use.

Their hopes were raised on Tuesday when council leader John Byrne said he had written to Walmersley Golf Club asking if they would be willing to sell surplus land to Lowes.

If they agree, then the farmland under threat could be spared. Campaigners have given a cautious welcome to the idea but remain unhappy the proposed sale has not been completely withdrawn.

At Monday's showdown with councillors, Mrs Edna Robinson, who chairs the action committee, said: "We are here to express our concern and our interest for the long-term future of this land. We are proud to have such a beautiful asset on our doorstep."

Rev Robert Lawrance of St John with St Mark Church, Bury, said: "There is immense public feeling about this matter. Any disposal of this land will affect the environment.

"If there is not sufficient public debate on this, it could create some public antagonism.

Sub-committee chairman, Coun Tony Isherwood promised: "We will look at all the issues. Obviously, we as a council need to raise money and we are not yet going to withdraw the sale proposal. But we are prepared to look at other options and to work together with local people on this."

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