VILLAGERS are banding together to fight possible development in Hurworth.

Residents fear hundreds of houses could be built on the edge of the Darlington village after developers confirmed they were investigating land in the area.

The Banks Group recently said it had not decided whether it would submit a planning application to build in the village.

However, it confirmed it was carrying out initial site investigations at the north of the village in a bid to find out if it is suitable for development.

This week saw around 100 worried villagers and ward councillors come together to discuss the potential of development in the picturesque village.

Following a packed meeting at the Mustard Tree café, a Residents’ Group was formed to share information and oppose the possible development of farmland to the rear of Westfield Drive.

A question and answer session was also staged by ward councillors Joe Kelley and Lorraine Tostevin.

One resident, Carol Paylor, said it was vital for villagers to come together and fight any proposals to change the nature of the village.

She said: “People really care about the community here, there’s a strong sense of it.

“We love living in this village, with its sense of community – we all know each other, our children are growing up together and it is a wonderful place to be.

“This development will definitely threaten that and put more pressure on amenities like schools.

“We don’t want to end up in a position like the one facing those living in Middleton St George.

“All villagers need to be aware of this development and we want them to know how it will affect them.”

The first step of the newly formed Residents’ Association will be to drop more than 1,600 leaflets at homes around the village, outlining the issues at hand.

Another public meeting will follow, with the date yet to be fixed.

A spokeswoman for the Hurworth Residents’ Group said: “It is vital we reach all Hurworth residents and that we know the facts and how to make our voices heard.”

For more information on the group, call into the village’s Mustard Tree Café.