A PETITION has been started to give Wimborne “a stake” in the Queen’s diamond jubilee next year.

Through the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, Buckingham Palace is offering communities the chance to protect their outdoor spaces for future generations – and Leigh Park could be a contender.

Landowner Wimborne Town council has initially turned down the idea, but East Dorset District councillor Pat Hymers thinks it is an opportunity that can’t be missed.

Cllr Hymers said: “With the district council’s Core Strategy there may be some building going on in the area and this could be a way of giving a bit of added protection.

“If support comes from the residents the town council might make it happen.

“Being a ‘field in trust’ would make Leigh Park as safe possible and help us retain it as green grass and open space.”

Fields don’t have to change their name, and some funding is available.

A field’s principal use should be outdoor sport, play or recreation.

Residents were interested at a recent meeting, Cllr Hymers added, and with developer Charles Church hoping to build in Brook Road, Leigh Park will soon be enjoyed by more people.