PROTECTED newts found near a £15m golf course development have not blocked progress on the project, backers have said.

Bosses at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, hope to create the best new golf course in the North, with facilities to rival The Belfry, Celtic Manor or Gleneagles.

Great crested newts, one of the most heavily protected creatures in the UK, have been found at several spots close to the existing course.

But John Adamson, director of Ramside Estates, said there was no truth in rumours this had caused work to be suspended and construction is “continuing well”.

Officials are working with Natural England to preserve the newt habitat and have erected boundary fences to stop the amphibians migrating onto the course.

The £15m expansion includes an 18-hole ‘Cathedral’ course, 48 bedrooms taking the four-star hotel up to 130, a leisure centre, Asian restaurant, 34 executive homes and conference facilities.

It is due to be completed next year.

Mr Adamson said: “We are now seeding tees, greens and fairways on the course and have almost completed the shaping of the entire layout.”