A LONG-RUNNING row over three pub tables and few feet of pavement has been resolved in favour of outdoor drinkers.

Landlord Harry Walker waited nine months before being given permission to put the tables and benches outside his pub, The Court Inn, in Durham - despite only one resident objecting .

No concerns were raised by the fire brigade, ambulance service, city council or the police, who have a station just yards away.

However, accused of encouraging excessive noise in the historic heart of Durham City, Mr Walker was forced to defend his plans before Durham County Council's highways committee.

His tables and benches will take up an area of pavement one metre deep and 11 metres long.

He said: "I totally deny there's a problem with noise. It's a wonderful spot to sit."

Councillor Len O'Donnell said: "We are trying to make this great city one of the top attractions in the North-East. We need to develop the night-time economy, and this will be overseen by police all the time."

However, Counciller Dennis Southwell said the scheme was unbelievable. "There's no need for this. If we start putting tables on the street it sets a precedent, and we will have our footpaths covered," he said.

Speaking after councillors backed his plans, Mr Walker said: "I never thought it would take this long to be sorted."