A LONG campaign by a group of nature-loving neighbours to save 'a little piece of paradise' has finally been won.

Two years ago residents of Cofton Hackett were distraught to learn the 17-acre fishing lake behind their houses, which was owned by West Midlands Transport, was going to be sold off to developers for around £335,000.

While developers were prevented from filling in Cofton Lake and building on it, as it provides a water source for the canal network, they could have built around the edges - potentially threatening the rich fauna and flora on the surrounding land.

Diane Carr, of Cofton Lake Road, was moved to act and clubbed together with like-minded neighbours to investigate what could be done. Neighbour Keith Newbury took on the role of chairman of the company.

Diane said: "We just had to do something. It would have been a tragedy if the lake was spoilt."

Diane added she wanted to preserve the natural beauty of the lake for years to come. It is a haven for nature with badger setts, foxes and birds.

West Midlands Transport agreed to sell it to the residents for a reduced price of £180,000, but the money still had to be found.

The ingenious villagers came up with the idea of forming a company, Cofton Lake Conservation Ltd, in which residents could buy membership shares.

There were 146 up for grabs at a price of £1,500 each.

Residents, conservationists and anglers all stumped up the cash and now, after a long fight, they can finally call the lake their own.

White Swan Piscatorials, a fishing club, also came on board, buying shares for its members and have now promised to re-stock the lake with fish.

Diane, who is secretary for the company, said: "It has been very hard work, often doing three things at once. The lake is safe now."

She added: "It will always be protected from development for years to come."