CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating victory in a battle they did not expect to win, after persuading a water company to switch a sewer site.

Northumbrian Water has bowed to pressure from people in Bladeside, Crook, and is moving an outflow chamber away from their homes.

The company withdrew its planning application for the £400,000 development last week, even though it had the support of council planning officers.

Now it is looking for another site for the scheme, which includes a control cabin, 20ft mast and access road, and is part of a £1.2m project to improve the town's outdated sewer network.

Residents said the first spot chosen by the company would destroy open land where their children play, create unpleasant smells and cause flooding from Crook Beck.

They formed an action group and called a meeting, but yesterday said they did not expect to have any chance of winning.

Eileen Hunter, one of the founders of the group, said: "We are delighted at how it has gone for us.

"Northumbrian Water have been brilliant. They and their consultants have supported us throughout this and have promised to consult us over the new site.

"When we started this off we didn't expect to win. I told people there is no shame in losing, the shame is in not trying.

"It is a fantastic outcome for us so far, but we will have to see what the new plans bring."

A spokeswoman for Northumbrian Water said: "We have taken into account the residents' objections and are currently looking at other locations further away from the housing."