SENIOR officials have welcomed a report which clears a district council of wrongdoing in a long-running row over the region's leading motor racing circuit.

A 14-month investigation followed allegations that Richmondshire District Council had failed people with homes near the track, at Croft, near Darlington.

The authority, which twice withdrew noise abatement notices on a barrister's advice, was accused of making a mess of legal proceedings and showing bias towards the circuit's management.

But Local Government Ombudsman Patricia Thomas has concluded there is no evidence of maladministration.

Council chief executive Harry Tabiner said yesterday that the decision was not a surprise.

"As a council, we were already confident that our actions have been both fair and appropriate,'' he said.

"The noise factor is a difficult issue for nearby residents and we are very sympathetic about this but, under the existing legal framework, it is insufficient to be deemed a statutory nuisance.

"The council will, of course, continue to monitor noise levels on an ongoing basis.

The chairman of the council's environment committee, Councillor Pat Middlemiss, said: "Councillors want to do everything possible to help the residents of Croft, but we must act within the law."

The environment committee will debate the issue of the circuit at its meeting on Tuesday, November 13.