A date has been set for a special vote to take place, giving townsfolk the chance to have their say on the future of a popular "ranch".

People in Wigton will be asked whether they want to bring back Donald's Ranch during an official vote - known as a parish poll - in the town on October 22.

During a meeting earlier this month, members of the Donald's Ranch Action Group (DRAG) proposed holding the poll as a way of giving townsfolk their opportunity to voice their opinion.

Gary Graham, the man formerly on the land at the allotment site off Longthwaite Road, was evicted in July after ending his legal battle with landlords Wigton Town Council.

Their long-running dispute centred over the right to inherit allotments and rent payments.

Allerdale council has now verified the question put forward at the meeting and local residents will be asked to give a yes or no answer. 

The question will be: “Do the people of Wigton parish wish to retain the smallholding known as Donald’s Ranch, with Mr Gary Graham being awarded tenancy with effect from July 28, 2015 at 4pm?"

Mr Graham, a farm worker, took over the running of the two-acre plot from his father Donald after his death in 2013.

A polling station will be open from 4pm to 9pm on the day. The results of the vote are not binding on the council.

It is understood that people in the town will not be sent any polling documents but their details will be used from the electoral roll and voters can simply turn up on the day.