THERE has been a new twist in the Medi Parc saga after one of its multi-millionaire owners contacted the village residents' association.

Last week, Pauline Crawley, chairwoman of Harefield Tenants' and Residents' Association, was approached by Luke Comer, one of the Irish property tycoons who co-owns Comer Homes.

She said: "Luke Comer got in touch with me, asking to talk. I returned his call but have yet had no response, but I hope to speak soon to find out what he wants.

"People I have spoken to think possibly he's now running scared."

Comer Homes caused considerable controversy when it carried out what residents described as 'demolition work' at the Medi Parc site.

The residents' association, responding to the outrage of hundreds of people, launched an ambitious campaign to legally reclaim the site, bidding to register it as a village green by proving it has been used as a public access area for dog walkers and leisure activities for more than 20 years.

This week, more work has been carried out at the Medi Parc site by Comer, which plans to build up to 80 apartments there.

In the months between the original cutting back of vegetation and felling of trees which so outraged residents, nature has, to some degree, been able to fight back, but heavy machinery was again spotted on the land last week.

The residents' association has set a deadline of July 21 for anyone who has not done so to submit letters, vouching for the fact they have used the land as a public space for the past 20 years.

After that, fundraising activities will have to be considered to fund legal advice, should the battle end up being fought in court.

Anybody wishing to submit letters or old photos of the Medi Parc being used as a public space should contact Tina Wane on 01895 823 551.

Comer Homes was approached for a comment but did not respond before the Gazette went to press.