A DECISION will be made this week about whether a council-owned grassed area in Nelson should be transformed into a community garden.

The land, at the junction of Wren Street and Lonsdale Street, was declared surplus to the council's requirements in March 2000.

The highest offer was £2,700, from a Mr M Arif for parking in connection with his poultry business.

Parks and cemeteries manager Colin Patten told residents at a meeting held in June that the area was too small for a play area and was too close to the existing play area at the junction of Netherfield Road and Barkerhouse Road.

He said that a small community garden with some seating could be created and the residents who attended agreed they would prefer to see a green space.

Members of the executive will consider on Thursday whether the land should remain surplus to requirements and sold to Mr Arif or to a higher offer, or whether it should be retained in council ownership for use as a community garden.