A RESIDENTS’ group have claimed “a victory for the little people” after winning a three-year campaign to prevent an unpopular cycle path being built in a green space.

Darlington Borough Council’s plans for a 1km path, linking Stockton Road, in Great Burdon, and Mill Lane, in Darlington, along the River Skerne, have been scrapped after consultation found most residents were against the proposals.

Money set aside for the plans will now be used for other cycling projects in the borough.

The decision has been welcomed by a group of residents’, who have opposed the plans since they were drawn up in 2006.

The group were against the plans, which involved a number of spoke paths, running from the main path across green space to the Cathedrals Estate, in Haughton East, claiming they would attract anti-social behaviour.

Residents also felt the path, links, and proposed motorcycle deterrents would ruin the green space, which is popular with families and dog walkers.

They had the backing of ward councillors Geoff Walker and Councillor Chris McEwan, who voiced opposition to the plans.

Darlington Cycling Campaign were also against the plans, because of issues surrounding safety and ease of use.

The plans were approved at the council’s planning committee in 2007, causing outrage among residents. More than 450 people signed a petition and 48 people wrote letters of objection.

The plans were met with such opposition, council leader John Williams shelved the proposals to allow regeneration charity Groundwork to carry out consultation on possible alternatives.

The results, which showed the plans were unpopular with 60 per cent of residents, have prompted the council to discard the proposal entirely.

Elaine Hunter, representing the residents opposing the plans, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the result. We do see it as a victory for the little people.

“We feel we are finally at the end of a three-year fight with Darlington Borough Council.”

A council spokesperson said: "Darlington Council listened to local people's concerns about the construction of the Mill Lane foot path and cycle way.

“As a result, the plans have been scrapped and the funding from Cycle England, which would have paid for the development, has been allocated to other cycling schemes in the borough."