A COMMUNITY group has launched a bid to have Walton’s controversial Mere site listed as a community asset.

The owners of the Mere are hoping to develop it, while nearby residents have battled fiercely against the plans.

Now the residents have asked for the site to be added to Tendring Council’s community asset list.

If approved, they would have first option to buy the site and put it to use as a community facility if the current owners Silverbrook Estates decided to sell up.

The bid will be decided by the council’s cabinet at a meeting today.

Officers have recommended that the Mere is not added to the community asset list.