RESIDENTS last night spoke of their disappointment after a campaign to save open spaces in a town was dealt a major blow.

Durham County Council held a public inquiry in July into the future of the Blue Heaps and the Top of the Park sites, both next to the Blackhill and Consett Park, in Consett.

Developer Strathmore Homes bought the land for housing from Derwentside College in 2002, as part of the old college site.

But residents claimed both areas had been used as public open spaces for decades and applied to have them registered as common land.

Their pleas were rejected and the inspector, Charles George QC, is recommending that the council throws out both of the applications.

Greg Coltman, spokesman for the Friends of the Blue Heaps Residents Association, said: "We are surprised and disappointed with the outcome.

"We are formulating an appeal for both sites with our barrister and are confident we can win."

Under English law, an area that has been used as a local amenity for more than 20 years can be designated as common land. Residents argued that the Top of the Park was part of Blackhill and Consett Park when it was gifted to the town in 1891 by the Consett Iron Company. The Blue Heaps, formed from piles of iron ore waste from the steelworks, was also left to the town by the company.

Strathmore is building 90 executive homes on the former college site, after it won planning permission in 2002.

But group director Alex Johnston said he has no intention of building on the Top of the Park. He said a decision in his favour would mean a footpath could be installed, linking the estate with Blackhill and Consett Park.

Derwentside College withdrew proposals to build 13 homes on the Blue Heaps in 2002, after widespread public opposition.

Mr Johnston said Strathmore was considering its position. Both sides now have six weeks to comment on the inspector's report. If residents contest his findings, it will be months before the matter is resolved.

The Friends of the Blue Heaps Residents' Association is holding a meeting to discuss its position in the communal rooms in Allison Gardens, Consett, tonight, at 7pm.