LYNCHMERE Parish Council plans to sell Hammer recreation ground because it is no longer needed for sports use under the terms of the trust under which it is held.

The council is taking legal advice and details of the sale will be publicly advertised when the process begins.

A parish council spokesman said: “Hammer recreation ground was given to Lynchmere Parish Council in 1926 subject to a deed which stipulates the ground is to be used for sporting recreation, but that if at any time in the future it is no longer required for such then it must be sold.

“Access to the ground is by foot over a privately owned bridle path. It has been used in the past by Hammer United Football Club, but they have moved, firstly to Camelsdale Recreation Ground and now to Haslemere Recreation Ground.

“The lack of motor access at Hammer caused difficulties both for the use and maintenance of the ground.

“Since 1926, Lynchmere Parish Council has acquired two other, better located, recreation grounds, Camelsdale and Copse Road.

“In the circumstances the parish council can no longer justify asking taxpayers to cover the maintenance and insurance costs for Hammer.

“The ground is within the South Downs National Park and Lynchmere Parish Council has been advised it should be classed as amenity land.”