Traders at the Lizard were celebrating last week after controversial plans to close part of the village green were abandoned.

A referendum held earlier this year in a bid to establish public opinion on plans to ban vehicles from the small green saw residents narrowly voting in favour of stopping parking on the land.

Following the referendum, Landewednack parish councillors decided to fence off part of the green, leaving a small area for around a dozen cars, but turning the rest into an open space for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

A contractor was appointed to carry out the fencing work but pulled out at the last minute, fearing a "hostile" reaction from local residents.

The issue was re-visited at last week's parish council meeting, when members considered putting the work out to tender once again.

A number of councillors declared "personal and prejudicial" interests in the matter and took no part in the debate. Council member Jeremy Allerton, who had himself declared a personal interest but was able to speak and vote on the subject, proposed the council should not seek further tenders.

Following a tied vote, the proposal was approved on the casting vote of chairman Tristan Allerton.

It was also agreed that repair work to the surface of the greens should be instigated as soon as possible.

The issue of closing the small green has aroused controversy within the community for years.

Some local traders and residents had strongly opposed the move, claiming the resulting loss of parking would have a devastating impact on businesses in the village.

Supporters maintained there was enough parking on the adjacent large green and said restoring part of the small green to its intended use as an open space would benefit the community as a whole.