A NEW cycle path will be built in a riverside parkland as part of a wider environmental scheme.

Darlington Borough Councils planning committee gave permission for the path along the Cocker Beck near Cockerton.

It will run from Staindrop Road to Egglestone View and give students from Branksome School a new access to school.

It will also include three timber bridges.

There were no objections from organisations consulted about the plans but one neighbour was concerned about the use of tarmac and anti-social behaviour including racing of motorbikes in the parkland.

The committee gave unanimous approval for the scheme but hoped an appropriate surface could be used to help drainage.

Committee member Councillor Bill Stenson said: "As a ward councillor I welcome this."