ECO-farmers given leave to stay at Yorkley Court Farm by a judge have rejected a proposal by the would-be owners.

They received a solictor's letter which offered them a small part of the property known as the camp if they would remove themselves from the farmhouse and surrounding area.

This letter, signed by a Rob Nicholson from legal chain Mitchelmores, was rejected outright by the residents, who were concerned that it assumed ownership of the farm by Mr Brian Bennett and claimed by another solicitor, Mr Richard Tolson.

They also rejected any proposals that they should be placed in what they saw as a 'reservation', while the ownership of the farm is in dispute.

In a statement issued on Monday, the residents said: "This morning we took out an injunction against Tolson and Bennett which blocks them from using force to remove us from the farm.

"We now have some breathing space to continue to work towards developing this community farm which we hope will be a real asset for the people of Yorkley and the Forest of Dean."

The Review has also learnt that on the same day as the attempted eviction of the residents, the neighbouring properties were sent a letter claiming ownership of the farm by Mr Brian Bennett.

The letter from a firm of surveyors set out the procedure for the eviction: "The transformation that is going to follow will be radical, but prudent and legally correct, and our client is hopeful that relations with neighbouring landowners and occupiers can be enhanced by the positive influence brought to the local community, through the eradication of lawlessness and anarchy, the like of which has been rife at Yorkley Court for nearly two years."

This week legal notices have been posted by the residents onto the farm gate – refusing any access to 'bailiffs, security personnel and other unauthorised persons'.

An open day was held at the farm on Sunday. A spokeswoman said: "It was a lovely day, and helped us to make contact with more of the community."

The Review did contact Mitchelmores solicitors and Mr Bennett but had received no replies before going to press.