Residents have won a battle against Exeter University to reopen a popular footpath that was blocked after being used for more than 50 years.
Members of the public had been able to walk along the track on university-owned land between Streatham Rise and Streatham Drive since 1956.
But their access was barred in May when the university installed a locked gate outside a property at one end of the trail.
Now people living nearby are celebrating after Devon County Council decided to make the 106-metre path a public right of way.
Councillor Percy Prowse, who is the city councillor for Duryard and Exeter's Lord Mayor, said: "It's a great result for the residents. They've been vindicated."
Robert Joyce, 60, said: "The path was very popular. But the gate suddenly appeared overnight, without reason or any discussion."
Sydney, 80, and Rachel Saunders, 78, said: "We used the footpath without complaint since 1966. There were no signs telling us it was private, and we never saw anyone being stopped."
Rowena Myers, 60, said: "The footpath is all on a level. But the alternative route is a long way for some older people and includes a hill."
An application for the route to be defined as a public footpath was submitted by residents to the Public Rights of Way Committee.
Some 42 users gave evidence to the council of how they used the path and why.
One user said: "I have used this path for 40 years without comment or permission."
But the university did not accept the path had been used as a general footpath and objected to it being made a public right of way.
A 16-page report recommended the application for approval after finding the university had taken no action to stop people using the path.
The decision, made at a meeting on November 14, means anyone is use the footpath, even though it is on private land.
Cllr Prowse said: "Challenges like this don't come up too often, and it's rare to have so many people submit evidence. They followed all the right protocol and the evidence was overwhelming."
People may still face a wait to use the path, if the university decides to appeal against the council's verdict.
Cllr Prowse added: "The university has one of the most recognised legal departments in the country. Let's hope they get it right."
A University of Exeter spokesman said: "The University is currently considering its position regarding the recent decision made by the committee at Devon County Council, and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."
