AN ancient monument that serves as a centre point for life in Feckenham may be leased on a long-term basis to a village trust after nearly 60 years of Redditch Council control.

The council has agreed to a long lease of Feckenham Playing Field to Feckenham Village Square Amenity Trust.

If the trust ceases to operate or is wound up, the land will automatically revert back to the council.

The field was bought by Redditch Urban District Council from the landowner in 1946.

The site became an ancient monument in 1949 and is listed in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Area Act (1979) as "Feckenham manorial moated site".

It includes the surviving buried and earthwork remains of Feckenham Court House, where the Court of the Forest of Feckenham was held.

Feckenham Manor, a high status Anglo-Saxon manor from about AD 804 had passed to the Crown at the time of the Domesday Survey.

The manor was held by the Crown for several centuries and was repaired in 1355 but was later demolished and the buildings removed by the Abbot of Evesham.

A prison, known as Bennets' Bower, is documented on the site but the courthouse fell into disrepair following deforestation in the 17th Century.

Parish council chairman Doug Hickman said: "The parish council discussed the offer of the long-term lease and have decided to hold a separate parish meeting in March where this will be the only item on the agenda.

"During April, a public meeting will be held at the village hall where residents can have their say on the offer."

As the site is an ancient monument, landowners or trustees cannot do anything to it without the formal consent of English Heritage.