VILLAGERS campaigning against proposals for a wind farm on a hillside above their homes have called a public meeting tonight.

People living in Sunniside and Stanley, Crook, fear that the installation of the huge turbines would ruin their view and spoil walks across former opencast land at Stanley Moss.

Power company Amec is asking Wear Valley District Council for permission to build two 107-metre towers on land owned by HJ Banks.

Another developer is believed to be considering a similar scheme on a site at nearby Broom Hill, in the Derwentside district.

One of the objectors, who asked not to be named, said there was strong feeling against the turbines.

He said: "There is a lot of opposition. We have been told that 45 people in Sunniside have already lodged objections with the planning authority and we hope to get a similar number in Stanley Crook."

The meeting will be in Stanley Village Hall, at 6.30pm.