RESIDENTS have spoken of their dismay at losing a fight to save their community's last open space.

Retired welder Fred Smith had applied for village green status for a small plot of land between his home and the A690 dual carriageway. He was backed by neighbours on the High Grange Estate, in Gilesgate Moor, Durham.

But Durham County Council's licensing, registration and general purposes committee rejected the application on the grounds that significant use could not be demonstrated.

Mr Smith said last night: "We are really disappointed by the decision. It is the last little bit of green left at Gilesgate Moor. We will now be examining our options."

The 3.5-acre site, which was farmland until the estate was built by developer William Leech in the 1960s, is used by walkers, dog walkers and children.

Mr Smith's application was backed by 26 people, including 24 who live in neighbouring streets.

But it was opposed by site owners, David Hutchinson and Terence Bates, of Fieldhouse Lane, Durham, who acquired the land from William Leech in February 2003.

They were refused planning permission by Durham City Council to develop homes on the site last year, and unsuccessfully appealed.

Refusing planning permission, the city council said while the site had no designation as protected open space, a housing development was unacceptable due to its greenfield nature.

Deputy chief executive Andrew North said the fact that 24 local people backed the bid on an estate with an adult population of 1,195 did not demonstrate significant use.

He said there was no evidence of sport being played and the state of the grass prevented anything other than walking on the paths.