BATTLING country lovers have won their fight for a path to a beauty spot.

The right of way, subject to consultation with Lancashire County Council, will be created next to Witton Park High School, Blackburn.

The row blew up last August when school governors had a fence put around the school playing fields, mainly to stop dog owners allowing their pets to foul the land.

The fence blocked off the popular route to Buncer Wood which local people claim had been used for decades. The closure caused a huge outcry, with 1,200 signing a petition. It also led to the formation of the Witton Country Park User Group to get the path reopened.

The access will be created by installing a gate in the fencing.

John Cramsie, aged 53, of St Mark's Road, Witton, is leader of the Witton Park group. He said: "We are delighted that a footpath is to be created. This is a result of people power and we thank everyone for their support."

Council leader Councillor Malcolm Doherty said: "We have considered all the facts and have listened to local people. We are proposing that access should be given on trust to the public, bearing in mind that the purpose of the fence was to keep dogs away from the playing fields. However, if dog owners do not behave responsibly, the council will reconsider the issue."

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