A PENSIONER has called for the reopening of a footpath illegally closed to stop vandalism at two schools.

A security fence was put up on the path at Ushaw Moor, County Durham, which links Ushaw Moor Junior School and the nearby Roman Catholic primary school but Durham County Council says it must come down as the route is a designated right of way.

The move followed a spate of vandalism in which thousands of pounds of damage was done at the schools.

Nora McEleavey, 72, whose home overlooks the path, says it is an important facility and should be reopened.

"There are people in the village who don't want it closed. What we want is for it to be reopened and laid out properly.

"It is still well-used and it is a handy shortcut for a lot of people. You can practically see the doctor's surgery from where we live.

"There is a lady who used the cut, rain, hail or shine, and now she has to go round.

"It is a lifesaver because a year or so ago I slipped in the bath and I was able to call out to someone walking on the path to get help.''

Mrs McEleavey added that she had had no bother with vandals causing problems on the path.

"The yobs will come and get in if they want to, whatever. I would rather have the path open.''

Durham County Council has ordered the fence is removed but crime-fighting grandmothers Ethel Cummings and Pauline Gates, both junior school governors, say they will resist.