HADDENHAM S former rubbish tip could become a nature reserve. Negotiations are taking place between Cambridgeshire County Council – the owners of the 4.5 acre site in Station Road – and Haddenham Parish Council. If successful the land could be leased to t

HADDENHAM'S former rubbish tip could become a nature reserve.

Negotiations are taking place between Cambridgeshire County Council - the owners of the 4.5 acre site in Station Road - and Haddenham Parish Council.

If successful the land could be leased to the parish council at a peppercorn rent so that members can create an area of open space for community use.

Trees, shrubs and wildflowers would be planted and the old footpath which runs along the railway line between the village and Sutton may be reopened.

But parish councillors are keen to ensure that the organisers of the annual Haddenham Steam Rally will still be able to use the land as a car park during their weekend event in September.

Parish councillors approached the county council a few years ago suggesting they make use of the site, which was used as a household rubbish tip until 20 years ago. But, at the time, contamination and gas emission tests were still being carried out.

Now those tests have proved negative and the county is in a position to discuss plans for the future of the land with the parish council.

Parish councillor David Fairchild said: "There are lovely views across the fens to Ely Cathedral and Sutton church and we believe it would be an asset for the village."

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesman said: "The parish council would be able to apply for grants to landscape the site and we are talking to them about the way forward.

"These discussions are in the initial stages and nothing has been planned as yet. But we are keen to make sure the site can be used for the community."

Parish councillors will meet county council officers at the end of this month to discuss their plans and will report back to their annual parish meeting in April.