RESIDENTS who vowed to fight to safeguard the future of a popular greenspace at Swanage are celebrating a significant victory.

Herston Fields has been officially registered as a village green after a decision by Dorset County Council.

This means any future development at the site, which is on land owned by the Scott Estate, has been ruled out.

A member of the Friends of Herston Fields Group said: “This is an area that has been used for generations for recreation, and we are just trying to preserve that.”

The campaign to save the fields was started eight years ago,

Henry Scott, of the Scott Estate, said: “We are seeking legal advice as to what our next steps are regarding the decision.”