ROAD and footpath closures set up to manage traffic to and from an open air night show have been described as excessive and unfair by councillors.

Objectors said “common sense has prevailed” after Durham County Council’s highways committee recommended easing restrictions around the Kynren site near Bishop Auckland.

Last year, up to 8,000 people turned out to watch Eleven Arches’ historic spectacle on Friday and Saturday nights from July to September. And with the new season now underway, the committee had to consider whether an experimental traffic regulation order should be made permanent.

Three objectors raised concerns about some of the restrictions but highways officers recommended the committee endorse the order in its current form. However, the majority of councillors sympathised with the objectors, two of which spoke at the meeting at County Hall in Durham City.

Their concerns centred around the closure of footpaths, including a stretch of the Weardale Way, from 4pm to midnight on show nights. The tracks provide access to the site’s car parks, but the councillors said 4pm was excessive when the earliest start time was 8pm.

Bishop Auckland councillor Joy Allen was unable to attend the meeting but a statement was read out from her calling for the closure to be pushed back to 6pm. She stressed how well used the footpaths are, adding: “I am a Kynren volunteer but first and foremost I am a councillor representing the people of Bishop Auckland and a lot of people have expressed concerns to me about this.”

The closure of the rural road from Bishop Auckland Market Place to Newfield from 6pm to midnight was also criticised as it forces residents to follow a diversion through the heavy event traffic. Preventing drivers from being distracted by fireworks and stopping car headlights interfering with the show were cited as reasons for the closure. But residents said the road had remained open during the dress rehearsals, which also featured fireworks.

Councillor Paul Guy said: “If health and safety is the reason, Eleven Arches has shot itself in the foot by not closing the road for the dress rehearsal.”

Councillor Charlie Kay said: “It’s unnecessary and unfair. It’s overkill for the small number of people that use the road. It may not seem like a big deal but it’s a big deal if you are one of those people.”

The final decision is expected to be made by the corporate director next week, but the committee recommended the road remain open, and advised that footpath closures should start at 6pm instead of 4pm.

Resident John Inskipp said: “I am absolutely delighted. Common sense has prevailed.”