Twyford residents have clubbed together to buy four acres of water meadows.

Their aim is to preserve the land beside the River Itchen as pasture and ward off housebuilders.

The scheme was spearheaded by retired GP, Andy Coates, whose house in Finches Lane backs onto the meadows.

Dr Coates said the idea of buying the land first crossed his mind around 10 years ago. When the site came onto the market earlier this year, he organised a meeting of residents. "We decided that, in time, development was almost inevitable. "My idea was that if lots of people owned it, then the chances of them all agreeing to sell it for development was unlikely."

Around 20 have pledged £70,000 of the £85,000 needed - and they're hoping to raise the balance, although they are prepared to take out a loan to cover it.

Bishopstoke Fishing Club and Twyford-based Blunt Construction have also made contributions.

Dr Coates added that there had been offers from at least two private buyers: "Our agent said it was a close-run thing."

Residents will meet in mid-September to form a company. Around 170 shares, worth £500 each, will be issued to reflect the size of each contribution.

Dr Coates said nobody would receive more than 20 shares. He added that he had donated £4,000 himself. He said it was likely that shareholders would have access. There is currently no public access to the meadows, he hinted that the situation might change. "My own personal idea would be to use it for village events," he said.

The site includes a 400-yard stretch of the eastern bank of the river, famed for its salmon and trout.

Dr Coates said a neighbouring site of similar size might soon be up for sale - but it was unlikely that residents would want to dig into their pockets again.

However, forming a company to manage the current site would mean being better placed to bid for government or EU grants to buy adjoining meadows.