A BID to register the last remaining patch of open space in Pembroke Dock town centre as a village green has been dealt a blow.

People living on and around Queen Street want to register the space as a village green following renewed fears Pembrokeshire Housing plans to build houses on the land.

Pembroke Dock Town Council has been working with residents to gather evidence – including family photos and written statements - that the community has been using the area for recreation for 20-years.

A change in legislation, due to come into force in September, means town and community councils will be prohibited from applying for village green status on land earmarked for development.

But the town council has just found out the land has only became available in January 1995 which means it can’t lodge an application until January.

From dog walking to football matches, picnics and parties, the space is well used by residents who are adamant they do not want to lose it, having vehemently opposed a previous planning application.

Cllr Margaret Murton has received nearly 100 letters from residents supporting the application.

“We may have lost the battle but we haven’t lost the war yet,” she said. “There’s a lot of strong feeling out there and we have to decide where we go from here.”

Meanwhile the town council is advising residents to write to Pembrokeshire County Council stating they would like to keep the area as it is.

It is hoped that a village green application can be lodged in the early part of 2015.