THE village is preparing for the fight of its life - to save the Medi Parc site by registering it as a village green.

The tactic could finally mean defeat for developers, as it would result in no building ever being allowed on the site.

More than 120 people, furious at the loss of a community facility which has been fenced off as developer Comer Homes attempts to restrict public access, attended a meeting on Monday night in the Park Lane Village Centre.

The story of a similar against-the-odds battle in nearby Croxley Green inspired residents, who were told how, with a budget of just £8,000, local people defeated London Underground (LU) in 2004.

LU spent £250,000 in legal fees attempting to build a depot on a much-loved patch of woodland.

Pauline Crawley, chairwoman of Harefield Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "This site had been empty for 20 years and nature had been able to take over. We want this land to remain as our own, so let's fight for it."

To register a piece of land as a village green it must meet certain criteria: For the past 20 years it must have been possible to gain access without force, without secrecy and without having to gain permission.

It must also be shown that the land has been used for activities such as dog walking, kite flying or jogging.

The 122 people at the meeting were unanimous that Medi Parc, which has populations of deer, foxes, snakes, lizards and dozens of rare plants, ticks all the boxes, and to register the site as a village green would be worthwhile.

Forms to request village green registration must be submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are available from Spar, in High Street, and Londis, in Moorhall Road.

Prospective MP Nick Hurd has warned that time is of the essence, as he has established Comer Homes is likely to submit a planning application for 80 flats within months, which would further complicate the situation. Barry Grant, of Croxley Green Residents' Association, said the fight could last up to four years and be settled by way of a public inquiry.