An open space in Borehamwood has been recommended for village green status after a 12-year fight to stop any development on the land.

Campaigners for Woodcock Hill, which lies north of Barnet Lane, received confirmation this week from a Hertfordshire County Council inspector's report that their application has been approved bar a small section of the site.The report follows a public inquiry held in November to decide the hill's fate.WHOSE! (Woodcock Hill Open Space 4eva!), run by councillors Pat Strack and Sandra Parnell since 1996, collected £25,000 to hire a barrister for the inquiry.The final decision will be confirmed in July by the council's land registration authority, the Development Control Committee (DCC).In her report, inspector Lana Wood, stated: "I recommend that the registration authority should accept the application, with the exception of the area to the east of footpath nine, as a town or village green."Mrs Parnell said: "The outcome is fantastic. Everyone has been working very hard since 1996 and I feel absolutely elated at the result. "I remember how together with Pat I used to knock on doors to collect money for the barrister. I've been sitting here waiting for the phone call since November thinking what could happen."The Green Belt Society has been wonderful as it contributed £3,000 to the cause but it is equally as important as the people who gave £5 and £10 donations."Everybody that helped or donated is a part of the success and it's the best present that anyone could ever give us."Mrs Strack said: "There is one part of the hill that hasn't been included in the recommendation but it is only a small section of the land."The final decision will be confirmed in July but with the recommendation made already in the inspector's report we should be successful."It is great to preserve the area for the community and good for the wildlife in the area."Bob Atkinson, Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society chairman, said: "We are absolutely delighted about the result as it is tremendous news for everyone in the community."This is the only contribution we have paid to anyone and so I'm very happy that the council have recommended the site."