28/09/2007 03:00:58
A group of Lancashire residents have pooled their resources to preserve their much-loved seaside view.
The 12 neighbours from Heysham paid £160,000 for Rayner's Field in order to stop any future development on the land, which had been put up for auction by Lancaster City Council. Covenants have also been put in place to prevent any member of the group from selling their share.
Resident Andy Ley told local newspaper Morecambe Today: "When we knew we'd got it it was an amazing feeling. Some of the residents who had joined together to buy the field have lived in their houses for more than 20 years and, obviously, the views are a big part of their enjoyment of where they live."
Another member of the group quoted by BBC News said that he believes it is the best view in the UK and too important to lose. He added that the field led to views of the Cumbrian Lake District, Furness peninsula, Heysham village and the open sea.
Another part-owner, Christine Carey, described the view as "amazingly special."
Want to check out the view yourself? There's a Best Western hotel a short drive away.