RESIDENTS of a village only learnt of plans to demolish their homes when a brochure dropped through their front doors.

Now people on three estates in Esh Winning, near Durham City, have launched a campaign to save their streets.

In less than a week, more than 150 people have signed a petition.

Audrey Cloughton, 77, has lived on Rowan Court Estate for 30 years. She said: "At my age, it is atrocious. I do not want to move."

Tom Rowan, whose family have lived on The Oaks for a century, said: "There are families here. This is a community. People have children at school."

The Oaks and nearby Pine Tree have been identified for redevelopment within five years in the Esh Winning Masterplan, created by the Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC), a partnership between Durham City Council and developer Keepmoat. Rowan Court also faces possible demolition.

A DVRC spokesman said the company held public exhibitions and consulted widely on the plan.

However, Mr Rowan said the first residents knew of a masterplan was when a piece appeared in The Northern Echo, and they only found out about the demolition plans two months ago when they were sent the brochures. He said: "They have created a situation where there is a feeling of total insecurity. It is rumour and counter-rumour.

"We have rung up the council.

They do not answer or they tell you they do not know.

"There should be a public inquiry into the whole issue. We should have been saying what the masterplan should be."

Villagers are demanding a meeting with Durham City Council.

Up to 67 council houses, seven private homes and four empty properties could be knocked down.

But the DVRC spokesman said no detailed plans had been decided and further consultation would be undertaken in the next few weeks.

City councillor Les Thomson said: "We have written to all residents concerned, but would like to reassure them again that if their homes are to be affected, there will be one-to-one discussions to identify their housing needs."

The DVRC aims to regenerate 12 former coal mining villages around Durham City. The Esh Winning plan also suggests building a community centre, youth club and games court in the village.