VISIONS of a new car park at a well-loved Lancaster beauty spot have been blocked - at least for the time being.

Residents are urging Lancashire County Council to designate the Priory graveyard at Lancaster Castle as a 'town green'.

The application - backed by more than 100 residents - means that work on constructing a proposed car park in the area cannot go ahead.

Work to improve access to the Priory for the disabled and to restore damaged monuments will continue as planned. But a car park cannot be created until the town green application has been decided.

Opponents of the scheme say they have evidence to prove the land should be registered as a town green, where people can enjoy themselves.

They have been campaigning against the Priory's car park plans for more than a year and have now been joined by Lancaster photographer Jon Sparks - whose picture of the Priory is included in this year's official Lancaster calendar.

Green Party County Cllr Jonathan Sear also believes the residents have a good chance of winning their corner.

"It appears that the locals have a very good case - and if the county council confirms their right to use the area as a town green, it will mean that this part of Castle Hill is protected for future generations to enjoy."

The Priory was unavailable for comment as Citizen went to press.