PUBLIC open spaces in Leominster could soon be back in the hands of the town.

Leominster Town Council wants to take over responsibility for the areas of Linear Park (off Godiva Road), the Sydonia, Leominster Priory and the Grange.

It is the latest asset transfer from Herefordshire Council to the town, following the takeover of the weekly market and public conveniences.

And while there is still a legal process to go through before the areas are officially under the control of Leominster Town Council, the town's prospective mayor believes it will bring huge benefits.

Councillor Felicity Norman said: "It's a very positive move, we are all feeling very good about it.

"Being on the spot, we know what needs doing when it needs doing which is so much easier than just being on a list and one of many open spaces being dealt with across the county.

"We know when things need doing and can respond fairly quickly and can run it in with other things we are doing like the footpath scheme we have run for some years."

She said it also means the town council can ensure things are taken care of during specific events in the town – such as the inaugural food fayre later this year.

"We are not dependent on other people," she said. "It's part of a picture, everything is happening like this whether we like it or not and I personally think it's very positive and am very keen on doing things at a local level.

"It's a huge job and it's a lot to take on and it's going to be a stretch – we are working on a job that will need a lot of time and attention whether it's open spaces, toilets or keeping the market going as efficiently as we want. But I think it's absolutely worth it and what we should have been doing a long time ago."

Copies of plans showing the location of the areas may be inspected during normal office hours at the Customer Service Centre at Leominster Library on The Buttercross.

They can also be viewed on the council's website at herefordshire.gov.uk.

Any objections to the asset transfer should be sent to Tony Featherstone, head of corporate asset management, no later than March 27.