THE district council's decision to refuse the transfer ownership of Alcester Nature Reserve to the town council is set to be reconsidered.

Previously, on November 7, Stratford District Council’s cabinet dismissed the proposal to transfer the freehold of the land to Alcester Town Council.

Following the decision, the Conservative chairman of Stratford District Council Susan Adams and two Conservative colleagues Mike Gittus and Eric Payne, who all live in and around the town, responded by using a procedure known as the 'call in', meaning the decision was subject to further debate at the council's overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday, November 30.

The land, identified as three fields called North, South and Abbey, has been maintained by the district council as a nature reserve for many years. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and local volunteers.

The proposal would generate a revenue saving of £3,000 per year for the district council.

The town council already owns the adjoining areas including Jubilee Fields and Priory Meadow and the land under consideration was originally owned by Alcester Rural District Council before the district council took over the ownership following local Government reorganisation in 1974.

The scrutiny committee concluded that while they were satisfied that professional advice was given by officers, due consultation with Alcester Town Council was not in evidence.

It will now go back to cabinet to be reconsidered.