A COUNCIL has launched a stinging attack on plans to form a breakaway parish.

The submission for a proposed parish council for Aycliffe Village was criticised during a meeting to discuss its merits.

Great Aycliffe Town Council is to strongly oppose the move, claiming it does not represent the views of the residents of the village.

A list of the objections is to be sent to Sedgefield Borough Council, which will determine the issue.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the council's policy and resources committee, Councillor John Clare said: "I really do feel angry about the time and money that we have been forced to waste chasing this nonsense."

Town clerk Michael Rice told council members that some of the steering committee listed on the submission had told him they were not aware they were on the committee and had not seen the proposal.

He also said a petition supporting the formation of a parish council lists some names more than once, and that some villagers told him at a public meeting they had not realised what they were signing.

Coun Clare said if Sedgefield Borough Council decided to continue with the matter, the town council should take legal advice.

He said: "There's absolutely no way I'm going to hand over Aycliffe Village without a hell of a fight."

Bill Blenkinsopp, from the steering committee, said he had urged the council not to make a decision until after a parish meeting in Aycliffe Village next week.

He accused councillors of misleading the public because they do not want to lose the council tax money generated by the village.

He said that the "full facts" of the submission will be presented at the parish meeting, to be held in Aycliffe Village Primary School next Monday, from 7.15pm.