Villagers at West Lavington are clubbing together to bid for seven acres of land that was the original centre of the village.

The land, belonging to the Holloway family, the largest landowner in West Lavington, is being auctioned by Devizes estate agents Strakers at the Corn Exchange this evening. The price guide is £45,000.

Jonathan Grew, who lives opposite the field, said: “Residents of West Lavington are concerned at the sale of Greenfield at the heart of the old village.

“This land was the site of the original village, destroyed by fire in 1690. Although never rebuilt, the platforms on which the earlier properties were situated are clearly visible, as was shown particularly strikingly in police photos some years ago.

“The seven-acre site is currently designated for agricultural use, which is unlikely to be changed in the near future, as apart from its historic significance there is a likelihood of it being added to the Conservation Area alongside which it is situated.

“It remains unsuitable for development as access to the A360 is difficult, and its unevenness makes it unsuitable to access by horse boxes should a purchaser consider applying for a change of use.

“Local residents are keen to secure its future, and are willing to make an offer for community use,”

The fire that destroyed what was then the entire village took place on Friday April 26 1689. Some 34 families lost their homes, barns and other outbuildings.

The total value of the loss was £1,608, the equivalent of £5,352,000 now.