Pocklington councillors have now made efforts to adopt the patch of recreational land in a Pocklington housing estate.

Ownership of the three-acre strip on Broadmanor has been at the centre of a dispute between the estate's developers and East Riding Council and as a result is being neglected, much to the dismay of nearby residents.

Pocklington Town Council wants to adopt the land so it can be regularly maintained, but will be given the chance only once the ownership issue is settled.

Pocklington councillor and Broadmanor resident Gordon Scaife said: "People who live there are pretty hacked off by it. This has been going on since it was built nearly 20 years ago.

"I'm keen to see this progress and I know it's been on Pocklington Town Council's agenda for some time.
"It's used a lot, especially at weekends by dog walkers and children playing."

The land was part of the site that local landowner Henry Thirsk initially donated for development two decades ago. The recreational area formed part of the developer's section 106 agreement – to help reduce the impact of the houses by including sufficient space for recreation.

The developers, which included Barrett and David Wilson Homes, had taken responsibility and maintained the land between them.

East Riding Council has since confirmed it is seeking adoption, but say the process is being delayed by legal procedures and could not confirm when it would be completed.