CAMPAIGNERS who fought to stop a landmark statue being moved have finally admitted defeat.

The City of Durham Trust conservation group led a long-running effort against relocating the Lord Londonderry statue 26 metres across the city’s Market Place.

More than 6,000 people signed a petition and 4,000 joined a Facebook campaign.

But the move was approved by Durham county councillors in November and rubberstamped by the Government last month.

The trust considered launching a High Court challenge.

However, trustees have decided against the move, after lawyers advised the chances of success were no better than 50-50 and an unsuccessful challenge could cost more than £40,000.

Chairman John Charters said: “We are naturally very disappointed that we have had to decide not to proceed with a legal challenge to the decision to move the statue.

“We know that our thousands of supporters will share our disappointment and we would like to thank them for their support in this campaign. We now think it is incumbent on the council to give them, and us, a full explanation of why they are pressing ahead with this move in the face of overwhelming public opposition.”

The statue move is part of regeneration group Durham City Vision’s £5.25m Heart of the City project, which also includes moving a statue of Neptune, resurfacing the Market Place and revamping surrounding streets.

Supporters say it is crucial for the future of the Market Place, city and World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and a Durham City Vision board member, said: “The regeneration of the Market Place is one of the key projects for the new unitary council and one that the authority believes will deliver an improved open space for everyone.

“We are pleased that we are now able to progress with this important scheme.”

The Londonderry statue is currently in London for repair.

It is expected to return to its new location, closer to Silver Street, in July.