COUNCILLORS in Darlington are to use their powers to buy land for a long-awaited footpath between two villages.

Because of problems in contacting a key landowner, a compulsory purchase order will now be applied for the Hurworth to Neasham footpath and cycleway scheme.

The action was explained by Coun Nick Wallis at Tuesday's meeting of the council cabinet.

The need for a link between the two areas was identified in July and officers were asked to negotiate for the acquisition of farmland owned by Mr J Metcalfe.

The scheme will link existing footpaths at Newbus Cottage and Neasham Road, near Old Penny Cottage.

It will comprise a grassed verge next to the road, plus a wide, hard paved surface between the verge and the field boundary. The paved surface will be shared by cyclists and pedestrians.

But after an initial meeting with Mr Metcalfe, officers have found it impossible to make further contact - despite numerous calls and visits to his property.

"It is thought the owner does not wish to sell the land by agreement," said environment and development director John Buxton.

So to secure the land for construction of the link, the council will have to use its purchasing powers.

The cabinet heard that any costs in making the order or presenting a case at any public inquiry which might be called were likely to be minor.

Mr Metcalfe will be entitled to compensation if his land is compulsorily purchased.