A MAN today spoke of his sorrow after trying to walk to his parents' grave and discovering the path he has used for 30 years was blocked because of a historic battle re-enactment.

The Sealed Knot Civil War Re-enactment Society is turning the Witton Park into a battlefield for weekend clashes between the Cavaliers and the Roundheads.

John Walsh and his stepson set off from their home on Buncer Lane to walk through the park to Pleasington cemetery to put flowers on his parents' grave.

But they were stopped in their tracks by a woman from the society who claimed she had an order from the council for the temporary closure of the public footpaths.

Mr Walsh said: "This is ridiculous. This is a public park and I have walked this route for more than 30 years.

"I had no idea the paths were going to be closed, there were no notices up and I asked another woman who was walking through the park if she knew about it and she had no idea either.

"I definitely plan to ring the council and give them a good earbashing about this.

"I think this is totally out of order -- as far as I'm concerned the park is a public space which should be open for public use. I think the town hall should be concentrating on matters more important than this."

A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The footpaths in question are closed because there is a likelihood of a danger to the public if they are left open for the duration of the Sealed Knot event.

"There are alternative routes to all parts of the Country Park and the technical services department of the Council will be happy to give details to anyone wishing to use these routes.

" Public notices relating to the temporary closures appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph."