A COUNCIL has decided to tread a more cautious path in a row over the upgrading of a muddy track.

Seaham Town Council had applied for planning approval to tidy up derelict allotments, and for the installation of a surfaced walkway in the Dalton Grange area.

But at a meeting of Easington District Council's development control panel this week, members were told that neighbouring residents and allotment holders feared the footpath would encourage "yet more yobs'' into the area.

Thirty-six allotments are being used at the site, which is between Weymouth Drive and Graham Way. Four other allotment plots have become derelict, and it is those which the town council proposes to tidy up and landscape.

But it is the application to upgrade a makeshift bridleway around the allotments into a better pathway which has caused anxiety.

Albert Newton, secretary of the Deneside Allotment Association, described last night how the allotment area already attracts an unruly element.

Yobs, he said, take refuge and fling empty bottles and other missiles into greenhouses on the garden plots.

"We are not against the derelict plots being upgraded or landscaped, but we don't want to see a properly surfaced footpath installed.

"That will do nothing more than attract yet more yobs into the area.''

Residents of the Dalton Grange Estate have also complained about the anti-social behaviour of youngsters loitering near the allotments.

They believe a footpath will make it easier for troublemakers to gain access.

The proposal has also been opposed by Dalton-le-Dale Parish Council, which has submitted similar objections.

And at the meeting of Easington's development control panel it was decided to defer the application.

A spokeswoman for the authority confirmed that the council would now be consulting with all those opposing the installation of the footpath before deciding whether the planning application should be approved.