A VETERAN model aircraft enthusiast has finally been cleared for take-off after a three-year battle.

Michael Parkinson, 74, was grounded by the borough council in April 2014 when it warned he faced forcible removal from Pleasington playing fields by police if he flew his remote-controlled planes.

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It was the most serious twist in a dogfight that started 18 months before when he returned to the town but was refused membership of the Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club, which organises the sport in the borough.

The club had exclusive rights to fly at the playing fields, meaning the council could take action against anyone else who flew models there.

The Pendle Drive resident said he was appalled when Blackburn with Darwen council warned him it would take him to court if he tried to fly any of his seven models there.

Mr Parkinson brought his case to the Lancashire Telegraph and now, after a trip to Burnley County Court in September, the council has finally admitted defeat.

In an official letter leisure manager Graham Harris has told him: “I can now confirm the arrangements for flying you model aircraft at Pleasington playing fields.

“You can fly your planes freely on Mondays (excluding bank holidays), Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.”

It confirms efforts by the council and the courts to persuade the club to re-admit him to resolve the dispute had failed.

He was a founder member in 1972, having first flown his remote-controlled plane at the playing fields aged 11.

The club will now have to pay a fee for the first time, understood to be in the region of £3,000, for exclusive use of the fields on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Mr Parkinson said: “I am delighted that I have won my battle for Blackburn’s skies.

“This is not just a victory for me but for the general public who want to fly their planes without joining the club, and the right for people to pursue their lawful hobbies without interference.

“I would like to thank the Lancashire Telegraph for bringing this matter to public attention and all the people who supported me.

“The council were using a legal sledgehammer to crack a nut. It was worse than heavy handed.

“I am appalled that it took so long to sort this out.

“All I want to do is fly my planes peaceably and lawfully on public land.

“I have now established this is the case and that the model aircraft club had no exclusive flying rights at Pleasington as I have always maintained.

“This could and should have been sorted a lot sooner.”

Mr Parkinson is a long-term member of the British Model Flying Association and fully trained and insured as legally required to pursue his hobby.

His documents were lodged with the council, which has spent in excess of £3,000 in legal costs on the dispute.

The father-of-three now intends to start flying when the weather is sunny.

Borough leisure Martin Eden said: “Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club will continue to hold exclusive use of Pleasington Playing Fields on the days and times outlined in an exclusivity agreement.

“Mr Parkinson has been advised on the best times to fly outside of these times, which also ensure the safety of other members of the public using the facilities.”

BDMAC chairman Chris Boardman said: “No comment.”

Former Blackburn MP Jack Straw, approached by Mr Parkinson to help, said: “I am glad it is resolved. It seems to have taken rather a long time.”