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Friends of Moston Brook have hit out at the gradual erosion of public access to the green oasis surrounded by dense housing and want people prevented from buying up anymore land.

Objections were sparked when a piece of land about 9.5m wide by 10.5m long at the back of a house on Bridport Avenue, New Moston was sold by Manchester City Council to the homeowner to extend an existing garden.

The site previously formed part of Moston Brook but has been enclosed by a wooden fence

The Friends group argues that the Brook is public recreation and amenity land and members are amazed that it can be so easily snapped up by individuals and taken out of public use.

They complain much of the land has already been lost to gardens and fear there will be further encroachment and that the whole area could eventually be lost.

A spokesman for the group said: "Moston Brook, as public recreational land, should be highly prized and especially protected because it serves the interests of so many people."

The group saw 'no justification why quality public recreation land should be surrendered and turned into a private asset' and were concerned it may lead to habitat loss or destruction and impact on the local wildlife.

In Manchester City Council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP), which sets out a blueprint for land use, the council states it will maintain and enhance the valley of Moston Brook as a recreational open space.

Town Hall officials say this part of the Brook is not covered by the UDP policy and considers the use of the land for domestic purposes has had no detrimental impact on the character and appearance of Moston Brook.

An official recognised the importance of Moston Brook as an area of recreational open space but did not consider disposing of the land for garden use would be detrimental.

The official said: "The site is well screened by mature trees and planting. As a result the visual impact of the proposal on the Brook is extremely limited.

"It is not considered the retention of the garden extension - a relatively small piece of land - will result in significant loss of habitat and local wildlife within the Brook."