A Suffolk church charity appears to have backed down over plans to sell a village's meadow - described as a "Secret Garden"-style haven - following protests by villagers.
The Townland Trust, which operates on behalf of St Peter's Church in Yoxford, had wanted to sell the small parcel of land - known as "Donkey Meadow" - next to the A1120 at the bottom of Strickland Manor Hill to fund repairs to properties it owns in Yoxford.
However, concerned villager Helen Barrett told this newspaper she believed the trust was having second thoughts after listening to residents' concerns about the loss of the land and fears it could used for housing developments.
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She said older villagers in particular had fond memories of the site, which used to be grazed by a donkey and horses, but had recently fallen into disrepair because the tenant who rented the land from the trust had not been able to maintain it due to ill health.
However, the trust had wanted to raise money to improve properties that were in a "bad state" and had slapped a £25,000 price tag on the 1.4 acre site.
Helen said the village parish council had been offered the chance to buy the meadow, but had decided to consult villagers first after a vote taken at a council meeting on whether to buy had resulted in a draw.
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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meadow used to host an annual bonfire, barbecue and a communal firework display.
The site is also home to endangered butterflies, pond life and birds.
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Helen likened the meadow to the secret garden in the famous children's novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
She said: "I just feel that it is actually a space a bit like the secret garden. I just feel like it is a lost part of history.
"It has got a very peaceful air about it, although it is near a very busy road, because it is down in a dip.
"You don't really notice the road and get lost in the fact that it has got lots of butterflies around and lots of nettles.
"You get that sense that it is a lost part of the world that nobody has interfered with."
The Townland Trust and Yoxford Parish Council have been approached for comment.
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