VILLAGERS are preparing to launch a Crowdfunding appeal in a bid to safeguard an iconic green space.

A public meeting was held in Seend, near Devizes and scores of people voted unanimously to launch a fundraising appeal to pay for legal action to protect The Lye Field.

Trustees of the field are in the middle of a legal battle with land owner John MacDonald over a right of way across the field that would give him access to a plot of land which in the past has been subject to house building proposals.

Aster Homes consulted the parish council about a proposal to build 40 homes on Mr MacDonald’s land but when they got a negative response did not pursue it to planning.

Chairman of the Lye Field trustees Ric Ellinger said: “We fear that if the right of way was allowed the iconic Lay Field could be spoilt.

“Problems have arisen over different interpretations in the deeds of the field over access to land and this is now in the hands of solicitors for both parties.

“This has already cost us about £30,000 in legal fees but if it ends up in court it could be £200,000. That is why we needed to ask the village if it backed a Crowdfunding proposal and for us to continue the fight. Both of these were voted for unanimously.”

This right of way originates from the original sale deed back in 1967, when the Lye Field was purchased by the village and a right of way was included over a 20 ft strip of land.

But the Trustees believe that by providing an alternative access via Rusty Lane requirements had been met.

Mr Ellinger said: “Trustees have been advised, that if Mr MacDonald wins his right of way claim, he could upgrade that 20ft strip down the eastern boundary into a tarmac driveway and include lighting which would destroy the Lye Field as a recreational facility for the village.