There is a new secure future for the open green space at Tor Sport and Leisure in Glastonbury with the dedication of the land as Fields in Trust, and the groups involved have reacted with delight at the news.

This means that leisure, recreation and especially sports uses on the site will be protected for future generations.

Mendip District Council and Fusion Lifestyle have been working with a number of partners within the community, including Glastonbury Town Council and the Friends of Tor Leisure, over a number of years, to seek an alternative solution to the Town Green application so as to protect this open green space.

The Town Green application was recently withdrawn thereby paving the way for the dedication of the land as Fields in Trust.

Fields in Trust, is an independent national charity which champions and supports parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy in perpetuity.

Mendip entered into an agreement on June 22 with Fields in Trust and Fusion Lifestyle, who manage the site, to protect this valuable green space for the local community.

Cllr Ros Wyke, leader of Mendip District Council, said: "This is great news for Glastonbury and something that the council along with its partners is delighted to see put in place.

"We have been working together to find a solution over many years and it is great to finally secure the Fields in Trust and protect this space for generations to come."

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Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, said: "Parks and green spaces play a vital role in people's health and wellbeing, and these benefits have been shown even more starkly during the really difficult times our country has faced in recent months.

"Our local parks and green spaces have been crucial during the crisis and they will have a significant part to play in our recovery."

The council's aim is to build a fairer, greener and more vibrant Mendip that values our distinctive towns and rural communities. One of the ways to do this is by protecting green spaces and the precious landscape in Mendip.

Fields in Trust status will contribute to a happier and healthier local community who will be able to enjoy this green space in perpetuity.