Residents have voted almost five to one in favour of having a coastal beauty spot fenced-off.

In a postal referendum, 2,216 Telscombe residents were in favour of fencing off Telscombe Tye while 469 were against the plan.

Out of 5,744 voting slips distributed in the Telscombe Town Crier newsletter asking residents for their views, 46.8 per cent were returned.

It had initially been thought that at least 51 per cent would have to be returned for any yes vote to be acted upon.

However, because of the large majority in favour, the town council has decided to press ahead to have the grass and farm land it purchased on behalf of the residents fenced.

Councillors will now go to Government ministers at the Department of Transport and the Regions to ask for permission to start work as soon as possible.

They hope to get the go-ahead for the approach at the next meeting of Telscombe Town Council on May 15.

Fencing of the Tye will offer further protection to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and restrict farming and horse riding.

It will also allow the town council to apply for more grants to improve the 150-acre site.

Once fenced it will become an Environmentally Sensitive Area, preventing fertilisers and other chemicals from being put on the land.

There had initially been opposition to the idea from residents, horse riders and a farmer.

They thought it would restrict access and farming and be unsightly.

However, the appearance of travellers on the Tye last summer and a proposal to allow 18 access points won people round.

It will cost about £18,000 to fence off the land.

Telscombe councillor David Neighbour said he was pleased the proposals initially put forward by him and fellow Liberal Democrat councillors on the town council had been given such overwhelming support.

He said: "Initially there were a lot of people against it because they felt it might restrict access.

"Now people realise it will enable us to maintain and preserve the land. We will now be able to apply for more grants. The fencing will pay for itself."

John Carden, the founder member of the Friends of Telscombe Tye, said: "I am very pleased with the result. It vindicates what we have been campaigning for - greater conservation of the Tye so people can enjoy its natural beauty."