HEYSHAM'S popular car boot sales could be returning before the end of the summer after the city council confirmed that they couldn't be stopped on planning grounds.

The organisers of the popular events have been appealing for weeks to bring back the boot sales, which have raised thousands of pounds for charity in recent years.

A petition with more than 200 signatures was handed over, calling for the return of the boot sales and a letter from Mark Evans of the council's planning department, confirms that car boot sales can be held on the playing field.

Mr Evans writes: " Land such as the playing field may be used for up to 14 days in any calendar year for the holding of a market (which includes car boot sales) without the need to apply for planning permission.

" Accordingly you would be able to hold sales on the 12 days you mention without needing to apply for planning permissions.

"I would advise that car boot sales often raise problems in regard to on street parking and early morning disturbance.

"I would ask that you seek to minimise any such disturbance to local residents by properly supervising and marshalling the proposed sales."

Tony Smart, one of the organisers of the event, said: "This is a victory for people power.

The car boot sales are incredibly popular and we have had a lot of support from the public in the village and people have got very involved with it since reading about it in the Citizen newspaper."

The organisers hope to put on their first new car boot sale within the next month.

They have given assurances that they will work very hard to keep any disturbance to a minimum and have praised staff at the council's planning department for being so understanding.