PLANS to reopen Huddersfield's Community Heritage Farm could include a new home for a greyhound rescue group.

The farm, off Leeds Road, Deighton, closed before Christmas in 2001 after a cash crisis hit the trust which ran it.

The area's councillors have been working since then to try to find a new use for the site, which is owned by Kirklees Council.

Several "green uses" are being considered for the site, including individual groups growing vegetables organically.

And ward councillor Ken Smith said an appeal from Tia Greyhound Rescue - now based at Sowerby Bridge - to be rehoused on part of the site was also being considered.

Tia Greyhound Rescue, which looks after around 80 dogs, is facing certain closure unless a new home can be found.

Tia, founded and run by Deb Rothery, rents land and property from Yorkshire Water.

But the company now needs to redevelop the land and build a treatment works.

Work is due to start this summer.

Clr Smith said many people were keen to see the site re-open, with open farm use and other "green schemes" to give it an upbeat image which was financially viable.

He said it was also hoped to have animals on the site and Tia could become a partner on the site.

Clr Smith said a business plan was being drawn up.

It was hoped several groups would be involved.

Tia campaigner Susan Dawson, of Meltham, said the farm site had been empty for several months and had been subject to frequent vandalism.

She said it seemed the site would be suitable for Tia and the rent which the organisation would pay Kirklees would provide the council with money.