THERE were angry scenes in the town hall yesterday after a planning committee approved a controversial foot and cycle path.

Residents at the meeting who opposed the path were angered by the decision - and let the planning committee know it.

Leaving the room, one man shouted: "The stink overpowers me."

Another woman said: "You say you are a listening council - you have just demonstrated you are not."

Darlington Borough Council will build the 1km path from Stockton Road, in Great Burdon, south along the River Skerne, to Mill Lane, near Red Hall Primary School.

The path will have 300 metres of "links" crossing green open space to the Cathedrals estate, in Haughton East.

But residents say the network of paths will ruin the open space, which is popular with families and walkers.

More than 450 people signed a petition and 48 people wrote letters. However, the council's planning committee approved the plan.

Councillor Charles Johnson recommended refusal and Councillor Bill Stenson suggested a site visit, but both were rejected.

Councillor Chris McEwan, who represents Haughton East but is not on the planning committee, had also called for a site visit.

Elaine Walker, 52, of Riverside Drive, spoke against the proposal. Her speech drew applause from the 15 residents who attended.

Afterwards, she said: "I'm disappointed the councillors didn't know the area.

"They don't live there and the views of those who do live there are being ridden roughshod over.

"We are being ignored in favour of a perceived, but possibly non-existent group."

Mrs Walker has spoken to her ward councillor, Brian Jones, about an appeal.

During the meeting, Councillor Stella Robson said: "There is a large amount of people who don't live on the edge of this site who will enjoy this footpath, and it's these people to whom we also have to pay attention."

Councillor David Lyonette, also in favour, said: "It has been a long-term objective to get access along the River Skerne."