In a widely applauded move yesterday, Senators approved the purchase by Government of a plot of land in Sandys which will provide public access to St. Margaret's Bay.

Government Senator Victoria Pearman said Government would purchase the strip of land for $13,200 ending a long dispute over right of way to the popular beach.

The battle for access to the bay, twice resulted in legal action, Sen. Pearman said.

It was only when the land was sold to a new owner last year that an amicable settlement was able to be reached.

She said the Ministry of Environment opened negotiations with the new owner and will use funds from the Ministry's capital expenditure account which is designated for open spaces.

Sen. Pearman said the agreement "shows the tenacity of the residents of Somerset and the conciliation and public spirit of the landowners."

Government only came in to seal the deal, she said.

A number of Senators offered congratulations to the residents and the former owners of the land for coming to a solution.

Sen. David Burch questioned why the bay is called St. Margaret's when everyone in Somerset has always known it as Scott's Bay.

"For more than 100 years, maybe closer to 200 it has been known to the public as Scott's Bay," he joked. "We don't even know who Margaret is."