Darlington Football Club was thrown a potential lifeline last night after plans to hold car boot sales at the Reynolds Arena were finally given the go-ahead.

But residents reacted with fury to the councillors' decision, claiming they had moved the goalposts by allowing the stadium to host non-football events.

When permission was granted for the stadium in Neasham Road, one of the conditions was that it could be used only for football.

Now residents have pledged to take their objections to the Prime Minister.

Jan Mazurk, of the Neasham Road residents' action group, said: "We will not fail to pursue this all the way. This is really important to us - it is our quality of life.

"First it will be car boot sales, next pop concerts and then antiques fairs."

She questioned how the car boot sales would be monitored and expressed concern about increased traffic, litter and disruption.

Residents' concerns were reiterated by members of the Darlington Market Retail Stall Holders' Association, which believes the sales could have an adverse impact on trade in the town centre.

But despite protestors turning up in force, backed by 38 letters of objection, their efforts proved futile at yesterday's meeting.

The borough's planning committee spent more than an hour discussing the application before reaching a majority decision.

The news has triggered hope among those trying to save the cash-strapped club, which went into administration last month.

Former chairman George Reynolds, who placed the club in administration to avoid a winding-up order by the Inland Revenue, always maintained car boot sales were the key to generating extra revenue. But administrators are more sceptical, believing the cash generated would never be enough to make a massive difference, although they have acknowledged the relaxation of planning conditions makes the club more attractive to potential buyers.

But unless two fundraising "all stars" matches on Sunday and the next home league game are a success, yesterday's decision will have no impact.

Despite this, Tony Taylor, of Darlington Supporters' Trust, said it was a step in the right direction.

He said: "Looking at examples of other clubs across the country, the main thing a club has to have is a spread of roles and activities to make it financially viable. This is fundamental in Darlington."

The car boot sales, selling only second-hand domestic goods, will be allowed to take place every Sunday, between 10am and 3pm, in the car park.

Council leader John Williams was one of the eight members who voted in support of the proposal.

He said: "We have many thousands of people working their socks off to save the stadium at the moment.

"This would be a kick in the teeth for Darlington football heritage if the application was refused."

While permission has been granted, sales will not start until changes are made on the A66. Permission for the sales is for one year and subject to review at the end of the trial period.

Meanwhile, Darlington businessman Marcus Nimmo has unveiled a scheme to save the Quakers by returning the club to its former home.

Mr Nimmo claims restoring Feethams and raising £10,000 to cover a year's rent at the disused ground would ensure the club's survival.