VISIONS of a new car park at a well-loved Lancaster beauty spot have been blocked at least for the time being.

Residents are urging Lancashire County Council to designate the Priory graveyard at Lancaster Castle as a town green'.

The application backed by more than 100 residents means that work on constructing a proposed car park in the area cannot go ahead.

Work to improve access to the Priory for the disabled and to restore damaged monuments will continue as planned. But a car park cannot be created until the town green application has been decided.

Opponents of the scheme say they have evidence to prove the land should be registered as a town green, where people can enjoy themselves.

They have been campaigning against the Priory's car park plans for more than a year and have now been joined by Lancaster photographer Jon Sparks whose picture of the Priory is included in this year's official Lancaster calendar.

Green Party County Cllr Jonathan Sear also believes the residents have a good chance of winning their corner.

"It appears that the locals have a very good case and if the county council confirms their right to use the area as a town green, it will mean that this part of Castle Hill is protected for future generations to enjoy."

The Priory was unavailable for comment this week.