A COMMUNITY'S attempt to get a space of open land declared its official village green is set to be decided at a hearing later this month.

Lancashire County Council's Commons and Town Greens sub-committee will meet on July 21 and 22 to decide the fate of an application for a village green at Irwell Vale, Rossendale.

Villagers claim the land has been used since the 1970s as a site for regular sporting events, bonfires and celebrations among residents and should automatically qualify for the status.

However a previous application was rejected by the committee in 2001.

Tilerock Ltd, which owns part of the land, has lodged several objections to the proposal, including a suggestion that the villagers were only using the land with their permission for some of their events.

The submissions from residents in support of the original application include one from mother-of-two Val Weston, of Milne Street, who wrote to the planning department saying: "We have lived in the community of Irwell Green for 15 years where both our children were born.

"We are a happy sociable community whether old or young. The driving force behind this community is without doubt our village green where community spirit prospers and where we all come together to enjoy sociable activities.

"We have annual bonfires, Mayday celebrations, pet shows and organised team game days."

Janice Johnson, also of Milne Street, wrote: "The children love to watch the wildlife on the green and enjoy running in the open space."

The sub-committee will visit the site on July 21 before deciding the application.