THE Government has approved the relocation of a North-East landmark, despite the opposition of thousands of people.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, has given listed building consent for the statue of Lord Londonderry on horseback to be moved from the centre to the southern end of Durham City’s Market Place It is part of the £5.25m Heart of the City revamp of the square and surrounding streets, which also includes the relocation of the smaller Neptune statue from the square’s southern end to its north-east corner.

Durham County Council granted permission in November – despite 6,000 people signing a protest petition and 4,000 joining a group opposing both relocations on the website Facebook.

Mr Denham said he recognised the strength of opposition, but considered that there was not sufficient harm from relocation to justify refusal.

City mayor, Dennis Southwell, who is also a Liberal Democrat Durham County councillor, said: “I am very saddened by the decision. I expected better.

“Where is democracy? It is the death of democracy for Durham. We have had thousands of people who have signed petitions, we have approached the Secretary of State, and basically it has been set aside.

“It is very sad for the people of Durham not being given the opportunity to challenge this decision.’’ Dr Douglas Pocock , secretary of the City of Durham Trust, said: “My personal reaction is one of considerable disappointment. The Secretary of State has just taken on face value what was decided at County Hall.

“We are consulting our solicitors to see if there is anything more that we can do.’’ Durham City Vision chairman John Mowbray said: “The Heart of the City project will provide valuable space for national and local events and significantly improve current surfaces, signage and lighting.

“The project will make the city much more attractive to potential investors across retail, leisure and office sectors.

“Durham needs this investment to compete with other towns and cities in the region for new employment opportunities.’’ He added that work was due to start after Easter.