HASLEMERE Town Council has taken back possession of a number of key open spaces in the town from Waverley Borough Council.

These are Grover’s Garden in Hindhead, St Christopher’s Green, Town Meadow and Clements Corner in Haslemere, and Woodcock Green in Beacon Hill.

The land, which was originally owned by the Haslemere Urban District Council, was given to Waverley under legislation passed in the early 1970s.

The town council has pressed for many years to have it returned and the freehold transfers were finally completed last week.

Haslemere town mayor John Robini said the council is “delighted” to have finally brought the green spaces back into the town’s ownership.

He added: “This important acquisition ensures that these key open spaces will be well managed and kept open for local residents in perpetuity.

“New signage will be going up shortly, do let us know if you have any comments or suggestions for these sites by emailing [email protected].”

Haslemere’s re-capturing of the green spaces does come at a cost, however, being the driving force behind an increase in the council’s precept – and share of the council tax bill – in 2021/22.

Councillors agreed to ask taxpayers for an extra £2.66 per annum, or 5p per week, on average at last month’s full council meeting – with £30,000 also taken from the town’s reserves to meet costs.

Speaking afterwards, town clerk Lisa O’Sullivan confirmed the increase in precept is “mainly due to the increased personnel and maintenance costs associated with the council taking back ownership from Waverley of several key pieces of land”.