Cllr Helen Treeby who has campaigned to protect a much-loved green space in Rudheath has welcomed the news it has been designated a community asset.

Rudheath Parish Council applied to Cheshire West and Chester’s planning department for St Johns Playing Fields and the surrounding part of the park, to be listed as an Asset of Community Value, amid fears developers wanted to build on it.

The council has now approved the request.

Helen, the Cheshire West and Chester Rudheath warn Councillor, who is also on Rudheath Parish Council, welcomed the news.

She said: “This is a hugely important space for the residents of Rudheath and making it a community asset was the right thing to do and I am delighted Rudheath Parish Council was successful. I know from conversations I have had with residents how much the space is valued and used and how concerned people are about the possibility of losing it.

“The decision to make it a community asset is extremely important in the fight to keep these playing fields.”

Earlier this month Cllr Treeby and Tatton MP Esther McVey held a public meeting about the loss of green space. It was attended by various community groups and friends of the park.

Ms McVey said: “The public meeting showed the strength of feeling among local residents on this matter. I am pleased Cheshire West and Chester Council have listened to our concerns, those of residents and those of Rudheath Parish Council; this space should be protected at all costs.”

An area can be listed as a community asset if its main use further the social wellbeing or cultural, recreational, or sporting interests of the local community.

By making the area a community asset it becomes harder for it to be sold or developed although the owner of the site can challenge the designation if they believe it is incorrect.