A CAMPAIGN has been launched to prevent Darlington College of Technology moving lock, stock and barrel to the Yarm Road area.

Liberal Democrats have carried out a survey in College Ward, which they say proves many residents do not think it is a good educational move.

The Cleveland Avenue site has been put up for sale and a planning application for housing lodged with Darlington Borough Council.

Brian Fiske, chairman of the Darlington Liberal Democrats, said: "I think 54pc in the survey wanted to keep the college and 44pc wanted it to move - but only 14pc of those on educational grounds. The others wanted to get rid of the students, the noise and traffic problems."

The consensus of opinion in other wards was that it would be more convenient for students, especially in the evenings, to keep the college in the town centre.

Mr Fiske said the move would generate a big increase in traffic in the Morton Palms area where a new business park was a also being set up.

Businesses in the town centre would also lose the trade at present generated by students and staff.

"If you look at the present site there is plenty of room to build on the playing fields at the rear if they need to," he continued.

"There will certainly have to be an environmental study carried out at the Torrington end where there is already heavy traffic on Yarm Road at peak periods."