CAMPAIGNERS have claimed victory in a long-running battle to reopen a bricked-up alleyway in Frinton.

Footpath 49, known as King’s Alley, used to run between Connaught Avenue and Old Way.

But it was bricked up in 2012 and incorporated into the shop running alongside it – craft store Artishack.

After it was bricked up, Frinton and Walton Town Council voted to fight the closure and launched a campaign to have the alley designated as a public right of way.

Councillors fought for two years to have the route opened up.

Essex County Council granted their bid to open up the alley after an appeal last year, but the owner of the building took the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

Now planning inspectors have confirmed the order to have the alley marked on the definitive map of the area and it will be permanently reopened for the public.

Frinton councillor Nick Turner spearheaded the effort, helping the town council to collect witness statements from people who had used the alley over the years.

He said: “We must protect our rights of way, however recently established. This is all part of maintaining and enhancing Frinton’s unique nature."