Campaigners will not be putting in a bid to purchase a farm – once home to the Ickleford Equestrian Centre – from Hertfordshire County Council.

Hundreds of residents signed a petition calling on the council to take steps to reinstate the once 'thriving' equestrian centre at Lower Green Farm, earlier this year.

But in February councillors decided a 10-acre section of the farm – including a Grade II 16th century farmhouse and stables – could be disposed of.

Councillors did agree that no sale of the site should be finalised for three months – to give campaigners the chance to raise funds to purchase the site themselves.

But now campaign group leader Frances Barry says Save Lower Green Farm will NOT be putting in a bid for the site.

Ms Barry had initially hoped that the site could have been retained under community ownership, as a community owned business.

And since February campaigners have been searching for investors to help with the purchase the site.

But as the sales process nears its end, Ms Barry has confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the group will not be submitting a bid.

"I thought there might be an appetite for a community owned business," said Ms Barry.

"But there wasn't the finances to make a realistic bid. And I don't believe the council will take a bid that's below the asking price."

Ms Barry accepts some people – who she believes may have put bids in – will "make a good go of it". But she says it will "never be the same again".

And she says she has contacted officials at the council urging them to make a good decision with regard to the sale – and not just necessarily opting to take the highest bid.

She says the danger of accepting only the highest bidder could mean that the use of the land changes dramatically.

But she says that in looking at 'best consideration' the council could also consider wider social, economic and environmental benefits.

Regardless of the ultimate outcome Ms Barry says she remains "glad that we spoke up".

"I feel that it was worth doing," says Ms Barry, who highlights a team of more than 200 people involved in the campaign.

"I don't know it will have had an effect at all until we now who's going to be there – but I am glad we tried.

"People say to me its good that we vocalised it and made people aware.

"And maybe the next thing [the council] is going to sell they will be a little bit more careful in how it impacts communities.

"I have to be hopeful that it made a little difference."

Ms Barry says she is thankful for everyone who gave their time effort and support to the campaign over the past few months.

"It very much felt like it brought the community together," she said.

"I'd like to thank everyone who gave their time, effort and support."

The 10-acres that are set to be sold are part of a larger 120-acre site owned by the county council. The council intends to lease the remaining 110-acres of farmland.