A DISPUTE between a parish council and a neighbour which has troubled a village for more than two years may have finally reached a compromise.

Gary Orpen has threatened Hurworth Parish Council and community association with legal action because he says they have failed to stop youths congregating at Hurworth Grange from vandalising his property.

Several compromise solutions have been suggested, including a proposal to fence off an area of woodland to prevent public access.

However, the suggestion was unpopular with residents who even applied to have a path through the land registered as a right of way to prevent it being fenced off.

Now, councillors have agreed in principal to cordoning off a smaller area behind the footpath which is virtually obsolete because of a steep downward slope. The land will remain completely in parish council control and ownership.

They will consult with villagers about this possible compromise. Exact details of the proposal will be decided after this.

The new proposal was brokered in a meeting between Mr Orpen and representatives from the parish council.

On Tuesday, councillors were confident this was a possible compromise to keep all parties concerned - Mr Orpen, the parish council and residents - happy.

Ian Holme, vice-chairman, said: "The whole basis of this suggested agreement is to accommodate the very real concerns of the community.

"It is my belief this suggestion offers the opportunity to resolve the issue."

Chairman Peter Foster said: "We are hoping this is the answer for everyone. That is what we are trying to bring together."

But Councillor George Lawman disagreed, saying little progress had been made since two years ago.

"I think we have gone backwards. I am disappointed."

Councillor Val Hughes asked about the exact dimensions of the fence and Councillor Julie Jones wanted to know the fence's cost.

However, Coun Foster said: "Once we get agreement, we can go and get costs and details. We need your agreement before we can look at where the fence is going to go," he said.

Mr Orpen said: "This thing can't keep going on like this. There is another summer on its way with the problems that come every year."

He said the point of the last meeting was find a solution which suited all parties.

He added: "I have no desire to own the land, lease it or anything else. It is just to solve a problem."