CHESHAM residents are celebrating victory in stopping a golf course being built on green fields.

Their long and loud protest has persuaded town hall bosses to do a U-turn and sell land both to them and the tenant farmer.

Their bids were higher than that of Lowes Park Golf Club, originally awarded the land, who wanted to extend the golf course from nine to 18 holes.

That had attracted mass public opposition from locals, and councillors then suspended the sale pending environmental reports.

Now they have decided to sell most of Gorsey Brow Farm to the tenant farmer, Mr Noel Bretherton, who had faced eviction after more than 30 years raising cattle there.

They also agreed to sell the central meadows, about 14 acres, to Chesham Meadows Trust once it has been constituted.

The council will hold onto some land, not in the green belt, which they could sell at a later date.

Both sales are subject to no development: the land is to be retained for agricultural and informal leisure use. This represents a complete reversal of a decision made 18 months ago, to sell all 50-60 acres to Lowes Park Golf Club.

Members of Chesham Meadows Action Group attributed their success to a well-organised campaign which has been supported by many councillors, local residents and those who use the countryside: walkers, bikers, horse riders and naturalists.

Mrs Edna Robinson, chairman of CMAG, said: "We are celebrating a win for the local community and a win for local democracy.

"Mr Bretherton retains his home and livelihood which were under threat. The local community retains countryside that everyone can enjoy, and it protects important habitat for wildlife, plants and flowers.

"It is also a win for the council who have achieved the capital receipt they needed to help with budgetary problems."

Mrs Robinson said the group wants to set up a countryside trust to look after the area, one that can access grants not available directly to local authorities.

The farmer, Mr Bretherton, declined to comment until he received official notification of the deal from the council.

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