VILLAGERS have stepped up their fight to make a property developer reopen a popular footpath.
Protestors in Blackfyne, near Consett, are calling for the footpath linking Aynsley Terrace with Consett Heritage Park to be reopened.
Property developer Strathmore Homes angered villagers when it closed off the path and erected an 8ft chipboard fence around an adjoining woodland area.
The firm bought the land last year as part of the former Derwentside College complex, which is to be used for executive housing. The firm says it needs the fence for health and safety reasons.
Yesterday, Strathmore announced plans to give residents a new, landscaped footpath and cycleway, to replace the lost path.
James Johnston, company director, said: "It is entirely feasible that the safety fence line could be adapted and the greater part of the woodland could be released for public access sooner rather than later."
The protestors will meet the leader of Derwentside District Council, today and will hold a meeting with officers and councillors in Aynsley Terrace on Sunday, February 2, at 2pm.
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