A PUBLIC meeting in Yarm has led to the setting up of a group to safeguard the Tees valley.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England is forming a new branch to cover the Stockton and Middlesbrough areas.

It will link up with the Darlington branch, with a special brief to monitor developments at Teesside airport.

The CPRE's regional volunteer, Mrs Jan Arger, said the Yarm meeting attracted a good turnout, despite dreadful weather.

"We had not known what to expect, but all the people there were concerned about environmental issues in the area," she said.

"We already have a group in Darlington, but the concern is that, with present proposals going forward in Stockton, there are a lot of implications for extra development and it all hinges on the area around Yarm, Ingleby Barwick and the transport problems linked to those schemes."

The meeting also looked at Yarm, the A19-A1-A66 road corridor and plans to extend the airport for cargo which, it was felt, had major implications.

"The area concerned goes very close to the river valley, and we are worried because there is no designated status there and the health of the river is fundamental to the wellbeing of the area around it," said Mrs Arger.

One of the problems was that the river formed a boundary between North Yorkshire, Stockton and Darlington, with different authorities responsible for different areas.

"Development of river traffic is a possibility, but the Tees can't be everything to everybody and certain parts of it need protecting," she said. "At the moment there is no protection at all.

"We are losing a lot of land to greenfield development."

At the meeting it was agreed to form a local group and this will meet on May 24 in Yarm community centre. Notices will be posted giving more details.

The new group has a brief to cover "charming villages all set to be heavily affected by the airport development."

"We are not against development," said Mrs Arger, "but we want it to be quality not quantity and in consultation with the relevant authorities. We have to protect this area for future generations and keep it from urban sprawl.

"The new group will seek to protect and enhance the countryside by ensuring development is appropriate and supports existing heritage."

Retaining the character of places such as Yarm was a big issue for those at the meeting. People raised the question of the new Tesco store at Eaglescliffe and traffic problems which were already arising as a result.

The possibility of a new Aldi store on the site of Egglescliffe library was also raised.

"We were surprised and pleased to see that people recognised the problems and are starting to see the implications," said Mrs Arger. "But often it can be too late.

"The next meeting will set a list of priorities. We are looking to kick-start the movement and there has been a good initial response.

"Looking at the big picture takes people out of local issues, and if you look ahead five years or so, the scenario is quite horrendous.

"We see a mess looming. But people are now looking forward to getting their teeth into the issues in a positive way."