Any developers eyeing up the Ross Road playing fields for housing should look elsewhere, thanks to to a deal struck between Herefordshire Council and Ledbury Rugby Club.

The ownership of the playing fields has just been transferred from the council to the club, under the county's Community Asset Transfer Scheme.

A club spokesman said the deal was "great news" and added: "A more secure future for sport has been established in the town.

"As well as ensuring the sports club has complete control over the site, the move also ensures that the facilities will never be the subject of housing or commercial development."

The move comes at a time when a developer is seeking planning permission for one hundred new homes on the cricket club ground, behind the Full Pitcher pub, and the cricket club itself has gained permission for a new ground off the Ross Road, opposite the Rugby Club.

The Rugby Club has pushed for ownership of its playing fields both to secure their future and following fears that Herefordshire Council funding, in the future, may be in short supply, as cuts continue to bite.

Ledbury Rugby Club chairman, Jeremy Thomas

"This is a huge managerial and financial commitment which the club is taking on.

"Our partnership with the council has been excellent and we will be sorry to see it end. They have provided great support over the years."

But Mr Thomas added: "However, with increasing pressure on discretionary spend, the level of future support from the council was likely to be threatened by the need to divert resources to areas of critical need.

"The hard work starts now, but we are confident that we can step up a gear and in doing so safeguard the facilities for all the users of the site."

The rugby club is largely run by volunteers and no players are paid.

But Mr Thomas said a big community effort would still be needed, to keep the ball rolling into the future.

He said: "Running a club with the excellent facilities we have is a hugely challenging job and we call on all sponsors, members and their families to continue their great support.

"The club is having a very successful season, running three senior teams with the first XV currently fifth in the League. The junior membership stands at 350 and for the second year in succession we have an under 16 player in the England squad."

Mr Thomas added: "At times we are bulging at the seams, but what a great position to be in. With England hosting the Rugby World Cup this year we are anticipating a big rise in membership. We look forward to giving more local rugby players and supporters the chance to play and enjoy the game at Ross Road."

Councillor Harry Bramer, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for contracts and assets, said: "The council is always looking for ways to transfer public assets to local groups and communities where it is appropriate. We are committed to encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to do more for themselves and for their local area.

"The rugby club already owns the majority of the building at Ross Road, having developed the site extensively over the last 20 years and managed the whole site as tenants."

Cllr Bramer added: "We are more than happy the great work will carry on and ensure that the playing fields continue to provide public use and enjoyment."