RESIDENTS battling to save Bernard's Heath's threatened green space have added football, picnics and courting to their list of ammunition against Hertfordshire County Council.

St Albans Fire Station in Heathlands Drive is being moved to speed up response times but neighbouring residents fear costs will be met by selling the site and playing fields for development.

The county council confirmed consultants are looking at a number of options for the site, which will most likely be developed for housing.

A spokesman said: 'Unfortunately it is almost certain the playing fields will be lost. Funding for the new fire station will have to come from the sale of the existing site and the playing fields, but Heathlands School will remain where it is.

'If the land is surplus we have to sell it for as much money as we can get for it.'

A candle factory was once sited on the field, and campaigners fear this gives the council the chance to claim the land as a brownfield site.

Campaign group, the Bernard's Heath Village Green Preservation Society, is urging residents to come forward if they use the green, to strengthen the case for classifying it as a greenfield site.

The society is inviting all residents to a public meeting at St Saviour's Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St Albans on Saturday, September 23, at 9.30am.

Spokesman Joy Winder, 57, who has lived in nearby Gurney Court Road since 1971, said the leafleting campaign has galvanised residents' opposition to the sell-off.

She said: 'The land is in use all year round by dog walkers, children playing football and others just enjoying the green space it provides.

'It is looked after by those who use it, is popular for picnicking, and the occasional courting couple.