CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to turn common land into a car park, say the proposals will have to go before the Government.

The Save Our Sands (SOS) Action Group is opposing plans that could see nearly half of The Sands riverside area, in Durham, being turned into temporary parking for 380 cars.

The area would be used for parking while the Walkergate leisure development is built.

Durham City Council lodged the plans because it feared the loss of parking spaces would harm city traders.

But residents say it would be an illegal use of common land.

David Williams, a retired lecturer, from The Sands, said the group had contacted officials and was told proposed changes to common land must go before the Government.

He said a committee of residents registered the area as common land in 1968.

He said: "Common land means you cannot build on it; you cannot fence it; you cannot stop people walking across it. It is a public right of way."

Durham City Council said rights of way and access to the area for "air and exercise", as specified in common land legislation, would be maintained.

Colin Wilkes, of Durham Markets Company, and the chairman of Durham City Forum said: "A loss of 350 spaces in Walkergate, without being able to replace them on a temporary basis, would be catastrophic for traders, particularly market traders."

* SOS has organised a fundraising picnic on the site from 1pm on Sunday.