A popular resting point for people on route to the city centre has been preserved thanks to people power.

The triangular piece of land at The Vineyards is to remain as open space after fears that it may be developed.

The area, closest to Ely market square, is owned by East Cambridgeshire District Council and the decision to not develop was reached after a review by councillors at the Asset Development Committee meeting.

Local councillors and residents highlighted the benefits of keeping the land as open space including safeguarding the look of the area.

It is also popular as a resting place for people on the way to the city centre, particularly welcome to more elderly residents.

The area is used daily by passers-by and residents who consider it as a valuable community asset and it was agreed that a report will be completed before any future planning application are considered in the district on council-owned land.

As a new measure, appropriate ward councillors and any other relevant local members will be consulted in future matters in order to gather residents’ views.

After listening to these findings during the meeting on March 23 members of the Asset Development Committee unanimously approved the new recommendation to remove the part of The Vineyards solely owned by the Council, which sits behind Aldi, from their development programme.