MEMBERS of an action group have vowed to continue their protests if plans to build a waste transfer and recycling plant near their homes are approved.

Stainton Grove Action Group is angry at plans to build the plant close to their estate, near Barnard Castle.

On Tuesday, the action group and residents of the housing estate staged a silent protest, when members of Teesdale District Council made a site visit before meeting on Wednesday to discuss the proposals.

Action group members claimed victory after the council's development control south committee voted to recommend to Durham County Council that the application by Premier Waste Management is rejected.

Some councillors said the application was not in accordance with the Teesdale Local Plan. Others felt other sites would be more suitable.

The plan will be considered by the county council at the end of next month, and members of the action group will meet next week to discuss the next stage of their campaign.

Ruth Fenton, co-ordinator of the action group, said: "We have always said that we will fight this all the way, and Wednesday's decision was a very important victory for us, although there is a long way to go.

"The next battle will be in convincing members of the county council that this development is wrong for Stainton Grove, and we will be contacting various people connected with the planning application to voice our objections."