A DISPUTE over a road reopening, which prompted a grandfather to chain himself to railings, has yet to be resolved.

Last Tuesday, Jim Hall, 66, was taken to Peterlee police station after chaining himself to a barrier blocking Shotton Lane, Shotton Colliery.

The lane was closed following a campaign by residents who complained it was dangerous for pedestrians.

Durham County Council suggested its temporary reopening when Northumbrian Water sought advice on accessing a sewage system, which it wanted to modernise.

The council considered it would be safer to use Shotton Lane than allow lorries to drive through the centre of Shotton. But some residents threatened to stop the lorries, with Mr Hall's granddaughter, Lyndsey Appleton, taking his place at the barrier following his arrest. They have issued a list of demands to Northumbrian Water.

Company spokesman Alistair Baker said the amount of traffic using the lane would be minimal, and that the work would be completed in 12 to 15 weeks