CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Darwen’s ‘Square Meadow’ for sport and open space are to meet with council bosses to try and strike a deal for its future.

Council leader Kate Hollern offered the summit as the borough’s executive board approved the sale of the former Darwen Moorland High School site, possibly for housing.

Resident Harry Blackwell went to the meeting to plead for the grassed area, formerly the school’s athletics track, to be protected for future leisure use.

He told Coun Hollern that a campaign, launched by former town council deputy chairman Steve Duncan last year, deserved Blackburn with Darwen Council backing.

Mr Blackwell, of Dandy Row, said local people were scared that the land, known as ‘The Square Meadow’, might be schemed for housing, or other development, when they wanted to keep it green and use it for sports purposes.

The proposal, backed by Darwen MP Jake Berry, includes refurbishing the all-weather running track and two football pitches, as well as setting up a rugby pitch.

Existing changing rooms, most recently used as classrooms, could also be brought back into use.

Mr Blackwell said supporters of the sports scheme were prepared to buy mowing equipment, raise funds for the new facilities, and maintain them, and the area, themselves.

Coun Hollern told him: “I think this idea has merit. I would be happy to meet you and other campaigners about this.

“I will personally set up a meeting here with you. We have a ‘Your Call’ campaign which is all about involving people in the community in helping each other. This fits in well with that. I hope we can support you.”

Mr Blackwell accepted her offer.

Mr Duncan started his campaign in the wake of last year’s Olympics.

Senior councillors supported the sale of the Holden Fold site to raise cash, despite a plea from Tory group leader Michael Lee to retain ownership for possible future use by a ‘Free School’.

It now has to be approved by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

Mr Berry said: “I’ve already written to Mr Gove asking him to help ensure that we can retain the site for the use of local residents.

“I completely oppose the sale of the school site but, if it is to be sold, ‘The Square Meadow’ must be retained for community use.

“This land was gifted by the Methodists to the people of Darwen. It’s their land, not Blackburn with Darwen Council’s.”