A BATTLE to stop the opening of a quiet country path leading to a religious shrine has been won.

Campaigners cheered when Preston councillors finally threw out the bid to make Fernyhalgh Lane, Sherwood, into a Byway Open To All Traffic.

And they claim the turn-around is thanks to the massive support by local residents who handed in a 1,000 name petition.

Campaigner Aideen Frediani said: "We feel brilliant, our view has been totally vindicated. I think we've blocked it even though it still has to go through county hall.

"It's all down to the people who have given us so much support."

They had feared that if the road was opened, it would have become a haven for motorcyclists, putting the area's wildlife at risk. They feared the peaceful Ladywell shrine would be spoiled.

Support came from Nigel Evans MP who said: "We've enough congestion in Preston without introducing it into areas which are unsuitable for cars and other forms of transport.

"Let us keep the lane intact and not despoil this approach to a national shrine."

At the Highways and Transportation meeting on Tuesday, councillor Jennifer Greenhalgh welcomed the recommendation to reject the bid. She said: "I'm pleased and delighted this report has backed my grave concerns."

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