A FISHING club has been handed a lifeline after achieving partial success in its battle over pier access.

Members of Seaham Sea Angling Club have been unable to use the North Pier at Seaham since the start of the year.

Seaham Harbour Dock Company banned public access to the pier because of its multi-million pound revamp of the area.

The 90-year-old club has since been fighting to regain some access for anglers and in the meantime membership has fallen from 570 to 292, provoking fears it could fold.

But now the dock company has said members can use the South Pier, an offer which has been welcomed by the club.

However, anglers under 17 will not be able to go on to the pier and there will be no parking for disabled members.

Members have voted to accept the deal, but the club still plans to continue its campaign for access to the North Pier for anglers and the general public.

The offer followed a series of talks between the club and company. The club's chairman, Norman Conn, said: "We are happy with the agreement to go on the South Pier.

"It was pointless turning it down because it would have achieved nothing.

"We were looking at a meltdown of the club if this had continued and membership next year might have been down to 70 or 80. We have had to accept this offer to keep the club in existence."

Mr Conn said dock rules meant that the under 17s would not be able to use the pier and the company was unable to offer any car parking for the club's 70 disabled members.

He said: "Even the disabled members voted for the deal. Some will be able to get down there, some can't. We are still going to fight to try and get access to the North Pier."

The new access arrangement is due to come into effect from the end of June.

The club has said it had no option but to withdraw access to the North Pier because of its redevelopment scheme.

Earlier this year Durham County Council ruled out suggestions that it might take over the pier.