OPPONENTS of plans to sell off just under 2,000 acres of designated outstanding natural beauty land on the Quantock Hills have been told they have nothing to worry about.

Somerset County Council is behind the move to dispose of Great Wood and Custom Common near Over Stowey and Thorncombe Hill near Bicknoller.

But the move, revealed shortly before Christmas, sparked controversy and led to a march on County Hall in Taunton and a petition which already has several thousand names.

But this week Anthony Trollope-Bellew, who represents the Watchet and Quantocks division on the county council and the Crowcombe and Stogumber ward on West Somerset Council, said he could not understand people's concern.

Cllr Trollope-Bellew, who also owns land on the Quantocks, told the monthly meeting of Williton Parish Council on Monday that the land up for sale was already protected.

He said Great Wood was currently leased to the Forestry Commission, with more than 900 years remaining on the contract, so nothing would change whoever owned it.

Custom Common and Thorncombe Hill were designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and were also common land, with public access assured.

"I don't understand what people think a private landowner is going to do that is any different to the county council," said Cllr Trollope-Bellew.

"I simply don't see the concern over this. Much of the Quantock Hills is owned by private landowners and they have looked after the area just as well as the county council has.

"I don't understand people's worries."

The county council has previously given assurances that, as the parcels of land have Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation, they will remain protected and open to the public.

It has said the sell-off is aimed at generating income for the cash-strapped authority and also reducing its liabilities.

But opponents, who include the Friends of the Quantocks and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, claim it would bring only short-term financial gain and in the long term could put at risk the protection and access to the countryside.