CAMPAIGNERS who oppose plans for a college campus on open space in Washington are awaiting two court rulings.

Washington First Forum was set up by people who objected to the proposal to build a sixth form college on the sports arena at Princess Anne Park.

The park, near Washington's Galleries indoor shopping centre, is considered as a public open space by many residents.

Although the forum is not opposed to the City of Sunderland College opening a centre in Washington, it has put forward a number of preferred locations in the town, including Usworth School, which has been identified for closure.

The forum took legal action to have the sports arena, which is within the park, registered as a town or village green under the 1965 Commons Registration Act.

Following a lengthy legal process, the House of Lords will hear further arguments on October 3.

Meanwhile, the forum has taken a separate argument to the European Court of Human Rights, after campaigners were denied permission to gather a petition in Washington town centre.

Earlier this year the European court decided, on a majority ruling, that the rights of local people to freedom of expression and association had not been denied.

An appeal application has been lodged requesting the issue should go before the court's grand chamber.

Robert Duggan, acting chairman of the forum, said: "Both cases are important and we hope they will eventually be decided in our favour.

"The future of playing fields around the country depends on the outcome of the case in the House of Lords.

"The sports arena is an obvious candidate for registration as a town or village green."

Mr Duggan described the legal issues as complex and said it was no surprise the Law Lords wanted to consider further legal arguments.

He said the appeal was made because the issues raised were important for democracy.

Mr Duggan said: "The campaign to save the sports arena continues.

"The sensible solution, of moving the site for the proposed college to Usworth School so that school and sports arena would be saved, is being pressed at every opportunity."

The forum is urging local footballers aged 15 and over to take part in friendly matches at the sports arena on Sundays, at 10.30am.