COUNCILLORS are calling on the Chancellor to avoid putting a city's green belt at risk of development.

Liberal Democrats on Durham County Council are delivering 6,500 leaflets to residents urging them to write to the Government asking it not to interfere with the County Durham Plan (CDP).

The CDP is the Labour-led council’s ambitious strategy to transform the county into an economic powerhouse, with 30,000 new jobs and 31,000 new homes by 2030.

After it was rubbished by Planning Inspector Harold Stephens following his public inquiry, George Osborne agreed to hold talks with North-East business and council chiefs to resolve the impasse.

However, the Lib Dems say the Chancellor and others should back off.

Councillor Mamie Simmons said: “Labour are clearly so desperate and so arrogant in their views that they are now begging the Chancellor and other ministers to intervene.

“When Labour begs the Tories for help you know they are in dire straights.”

The Lib Dems are also unhappy that former Newcastle United chairman and MetroCentre developer Sir John Hall has intervened, accusing him of interfering with the democratic process.

The council is expected to announce how it will take the CDP forward shortly.