A grandmother has expressed concern that an open space where children play could be sold to a private buyer.

When Margaret Savage, 63, of Longmeadow Close, Griston, found out that an area of open land near to her home could be sold and closed off to the public, she took it upon herself to approach Breckland Council.

The grandmother-of-six, who has lived there since 1985, says that it may only be a small area of land, but it is where she has watched her children and now grandchildren play over the years.

Mrs Savage said: "All over the country, in villages, towns and in cities, we need our open spaces. Everyone knows how important open spaces are for our well being and once they are gone, they're gone. There is no going back.

"It's only small, but it's our small, open space. My grandchildren love being able to potter down there and hopefully so will future generations too, if we protect it now."

Mrs Savage found out about the sale of the land after the potential buyer told her of his plans to fence off the area and she questioned why other residents were not informed.

A spokesman from Breckland Council said: "We have been approached by somebody potentially interested in purchasing a small area of land in Griston. The area in question is currently part of the council's broad property and land portfolio, which is under regular review.

"If an asset is surplus to requirements we will explore options to dispose of the land or property, with income from such sales reinvested to support frontline services. However, this particular case is at a very early stage of discussions and so no decision has yet been made by the council."

Mrs Savage added: "I was shocked about the whole thing being done so quietly. I was really upset.

"It may be an open place and legally it is not a play area but it has always been here and we would quite like to keep it that way and protect it for future generations."