HALESOWEN residents fighting against the development of woodland at the back of their homes which 'is a haven for wildlife' are hoping the land will fail to sell for a second time.

People living near the site, a former railway embankment between Linnet Close and Haden Hill Road, were horrified to see it is listed as a lot for a National Property Auction in October.

They formed a group called 'Residents Against Development of Land between Linnet Close/Haden Hill Road' - the group has a Facebook site with more than 280 members.

The 2.07 acre parcel of woodland failed to reach its guide price of £75k with sales notes stating it is "thought suitable for a residential scheme of up to 30 units, subject to planning consents."

The land is set to come up for auction again on Thursday (November 25) but residents were relieved to see that the auctioneer has updated the listing so that it states that there is a Tree Preservation Order covering the site and has removed the mention of 30 homes.

Councillor Simon Phipps called it "good news" saying: "This is recognising what we have been saying all along that this land isn't suitable for development.

"Thanks to everyone who has helped apply pressure to make sure this is updated.

"All prospective buyers will be informed of this change.

"So people will now know if they bid that they are taking on a protected site, not a development opportunity."

People were pleased to hear the news on the Facebook page.

One member said: "Great news from Simon Phipps at least any potential buyer will know what they are buying now."

Another said: "Well done to All. Real result for you. Great evidence of community pulling together for common good.

"Pat yourselves on the back."

Residents of Linnet Close, Coombs Road, Haden Hill Road, Sandringham Road and surrounding neighbours are opposing the planned sale and development of the brownfield site.

They say the land, which owned by Persimmon Homes, is full of "beautiful trees" is a haven for wildlife including badgers, buzzards, foxes, owls, gold finches, bullfinches, greenfinches, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, nuthatch, blackcap, wrens, blackbirds, thrush and other wildlife with the green space one of the reasons why they bought their homes.