TOWN hall bosses have come up with a compromise package in a bid to bring an end to a long running row centred around a footpath.

Residents living near Witton Park High School in Blackburn were furious when a fence was built around the school, preventing walkers getting to Buncer Woods.

But a falling tree, which damaged part of the fence, has opened up the way for the new deal.

A gate is to be installed where the section of fence was damaged and the path officially registered as a right of way.

The residents' campaign was backed by the Ramblers' Association and thousands of people signed a petition calling for the path to be reopened.

Council leaders defended the move saying children were in danger because people allowed their dogs to foul playing fields.

But the town hall has decided to do a U-turn and is calling on residents to honour their side of the bargain and keep dogs off the playing fields. Blackburn with Darwen Council came up with the compromise deal even though a complaint to the ombudsman over the controversy was thrown out. Council leader Malcolm Doherty said: "We have considered all the facts and have listened to local people.

"We are proposing that access should be given on trust to the public bearing in mind that the purpose of the fence was to keep dogs away from the playing fields."

But the council has warned it will take another look at the situation if dogs continue to foul the school fields.

A series of tough new sanctions against people who let their dogs foul public areas is also being introduced in the spring.

The compromise deal will be discussed at a property sub-committee meeting on Tuesday.

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