PETERSFIELD Town Council has declined an offer to take over a neglected patch of woodland near the community centre.

Hampshire County Council is looking to offload the triangular parcel of land between the centre, Love Lane and Tor Way.

But it was a case of ‘thanks, but no thanks’ as the council feels there’s little merit in taking over the plot, which has been blighted by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

Members of the PTC Grounds Committee turned down the offer last Thursday as they feel the site in its current state is a “liability” and would require too much work for little reward.

Councillor Jamie Matthews suggested that a community group of residents who live nearby could be formed to spruce up the former railway siding site.