A PLANNING inspector will decide whether the controversial closure of a local footpath should be reversed.

Durham City Council closed the 74-metre route between Lowland Road and Sawmill Lane, in Brandon, three years ago, saying it was in a bad state and had become a dumping ground and a haven for vandals who damaged neighbouring gardens.

The council was later found guilty by the Local Government Ombudsman of maladministration causing injustice to pensioner Derek Hardman, of Lowland Road, who wanted it kept open.

A public inquiry was ordered after Mr Hardman objected to the council's decision to seek a closure order.

The council's head of technical and support services, Clive Nichols, told the inquiry that the path had deteriorated badly and there had been complaints from some residents about anti-social behaviour from youths on the path.

He said the council, which had originally not followed the "appropriate procedures'', decided it would be too expensive to repair and there was little evidence of it being used by the public.

Mr Hardman, 61, who has angina, collected a 74-name petition against the closure.

He said he bought his bungalow because the path was there and he regularly walked it, preferring it to an alternative route along roads that he found hard to use.

He rejected the council's argument that the path attracted anti-social behaviour and was little used.

He said he used it at least four times a week and that 20 to 30 other people used it each week.

"It was in a better condition than the path outside my house,'' he told the inquiry.

"I used it regularly and my wife could use it. I have to get a taxi now.

But Alistair McCourt, of Meadowfield, whose parents live in Lowland Road, said they supported closure.

He told the inquiry he had felt threatened three or four times when youths were gathered on the path obstructing his way.

"I once saw a syringe needle and a couple on condoms as well as other rubbish, cardboard boxes, beer cans and broken bottles.''

The inquiry inspector will consider the evidence and announce his decision later.