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A businessman who has laid claim to a number of ancient lordships is believed to behind a controversial attempt to sell a piece of common land in Denbighshire.

The site in St Asaph is understood to be owned by Mark Roberts, who has around 60 lordships known as ‘marcher’ titles.

The sale of the land - known locally as The Common - is being contested by St Asaph City Council, which, along with the University of Wales, owns a portion of the plot.

A ruling in 2008 said that marcher lordships - bestowed on Englishmen by their kings to guard the England-Wales border - no longer exist.

But it is understood Mr Roberts, who bears the title Lord Marcher of Trelek, is planning to sell a 50% share in the eight-acre site alongside the River Elwy.

As Lord Marcher of Trelleck he sought charges of £45,000 from residents of Peterstone in South Wales for access to pathways and verges. However a change in the law meant that no-one could be charged for access across common land if it could be shown that they had used the paths for 20 years.

Auctioneer Paul Fosh from Newport, who is holding the sale, would not confirm that Mr Roberts, who also uses the name Mark Andrew Tudor, is the vendor.

But he said he did know him and had had business dealings with him.

On learning of the auction the city council sought legal advice and the Mayor Councillor Colin Hardie, said the council’s understanding was that none of the parties had a right to sell off the land which had been recognised as common land for generations.

“As a council we have undertaken to maintain it by cutting the grass and carrying out other maintenance,” he said.

“We are obviously very concerned because we don’t want anything to happen which could stop residents having the use of the land. There are all sorts of legal ramifications but unfortunately Mark Roberts has no respect for the views of local people.”

The guide price for the 50% share is £10,000, and the description of the sale on the auction notice states: “Advised freehold – to be verified by solicitor”.

The land stretches from the river bridge as far as the rear of the Plough Hotel, and includes a children’s playground and bowling green. Also included in the sale is a 1.5-acre along the river, with fishing rights.