CAMPAIGNERS who lobbied their council to reopen public access to a well-used car park are celebrating after the changes were made.

Local councillors and residents began campaigning in 2016 when a car park situated at the entrance of the Toronto to Brandon walkway was blocked off to make way for the live open-air show Kynren.

The original parking facilities were suspended prior to the opening of Kynren when a barrier and a gate were erected at the site entrance.

Although a smaller number of car parking bays were created at the time, residents expressed concerns that the replacement bays were not sufficient and could deter older residents from visiting and enjoying the area due to the steep incline.

Now residents are celebrating after an agreement was made with Eleven Arches, the company behind the show.

The bollards have been removed while a passing place has been installed and clearly marked parking bays laid out, including those for disabled users. And runners, dog walkers, cyclists, horseriders have been taking advantage of the new layout.

Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland Town, Joy Allen, said: “I have to thank all the residents who have worked with us to make this happen. Whilst on a site visit I staggered to see how many different services user groups regularly use the path, which I’m led to believe was given over to the council following the closure of the railway line in the late 1950s.

"This popular route is now part of the National Cycle Network and we want it be used and enjoyed by as many people 365 days a year and ensure that it remains in public ownership. We are now considering the options available to us such as Public Rights or Way.”

Fellow county councillor and cyclist Charlie Kay, said he was also delighted.

The group is still negotiating with Eleven Arches over a picnic area which is still blocked off but hope to have it reopened in the near future.

Resident and dog walker, Dave Rooney, said he was left angry when the entrance seemed to have been permanently blocked off but was glad it was now reopen.

"We were were promised it was going to be returned to us and then all of a sudden private land signs seemed to be going up and had communication with Kynren saying it was their land," he said.

An Eleven Arches spokesman said: “We are delighted that all stakeholders found together a solution to create a bigger car park giving easy access to the community to much-loved outdoor spaces, all the while allowing all year long operations on Flatts Farm to produce Kynren successfully year after year”.