Senators yesterday approved two land deals proposed by Government and the Gosling family came up for congratulations from both sides of the House for the community spirit in selling their holdings of White Hill Field in Somerset at a price less than market value.

Government came to an agreement with the Gosling brothers to purchase the Somerset property for $1 million.

Senators lost no time in approving the deal, saying it was important for Government to get control of open spaces and that the transfer would give Government and the Somerset Bridge Recreation Club a chance to eliminate negative activities in the area.

Government Senator introduced their consideration of the transfer by expressing his ?excitement? over Government?s proposal.

?At one time it was the premier recreation centre in Bermuda before St. George?s or Somerset had their facilities?

He said he could ?remember being impressed by White Hill Field. It was the standard of cricket in Bermuda?, he said. The transfer, which involves 4.809 acres of land, was approved by the House of Assembly last Friday, July . And Government had agreed to allow a senior citizens life interest in a residence on the property to continue.

Opposition Senator said ?no where else would you get that much land for that amount of money.?

He said Government was ?commendable in honouring the life interest of the Gosling family on behalf of (a senior resident of an existing home on the field)?.

Opposition Senator , who described himself as a ?product of White Hill? was also enthusiastic about the deal.

He said it was important to ensure that the area become a place where the community could feel comfortable.

Senator thanked the Goslings for their generosity saying that they could have received a lot more than $1 million.

Responding to concerns about the future of the clubhouse in the area, he said that Community and Sport Minister Dale Butler was working on all the clubs on the Island to raise their standards of management so they become more viable.

The Upper Chamber legislators also approved the exchange of land at Berkeley Road for Bayview on Happy Valley Road.

Government had agreed to give Bayview to Haven Trust, which ran Teen Services at Berkeley Road where the new senior secondary school is being built.

While the Opposition approved the deal, they criticised Government for not concluding it much sooner.