The outcome of a funding bid to save a popular Suffolk dog walking and natural beauty spot is expected soon.

Campaigners from the Holton Pits Community Interest Company (CIC) have applied for Government community matched funding of £100,000 to secure the Holton Pits site at Halesworth.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Campaigners raise £179,000 to buy Holton Pits

The CIC has raised £100,000 of its own money as it seeks to protect the disused sandpit from development that could threaten its fragile biodiversity.

The bid has been backed by Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey, who has written two letters in support.

READ MORE: Holton Pits: Bid to buy fishing lake and dog walking spot

The campaigners had also obtained an Asset of Community Value (ACV) designation for Holton Pits, which protects the land.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Holton Pits site had initially been advertised for £200,000The Holton Pits site had initially been advertised for £200,000 (Image: Charlotte Bond)Landowner CEMEX had initially put a £200,000 asking price on the 20-acre plot, including the fishing lake, sparking an outcry from the community and fuelling the creation of the CIC.

READ MORE: Halesworth news

However, subsequently, CEMEX indicated it would be willing to accept £179,000 for the land.

A spokesperson for Ms Coffey said the outcome of the matched funding bids was 'expected soon'.

READ MORE: Suffolk news