ANGRY villagers have backed their parish councillors by expressing outrage at Darlington Borough Council's plans to withdraw £34,000 of grants for rural areas.

Residents have said it is wrong that the proposal will result in them paying more than their urban counterparts for the same services, as parish council precepts would be increased to make up the shortfall.

But senior council officers have stressed that no firm decision had been made.

If approved, the cuts would see parish council grants - worth £12,000 in Middleton St George, and £9,000 in Hurworth - withdrawn in 2009-10.

Residents used a Talking Together meeting in Middleton St George on Saturday, as a chance to question senior councillors and officers about the issue.

Doris Jones, ward councillor for Middleton St George and chairwoman of the parish council, said the village already paid £750,000 in council tax, yet the parish council looked after many of the facilities.

"A mere £12,000 to this village is good value for money and should be maintained," she said.

Lorraine O'Donnell, assistant chief executive, said the proposals were in the consultation phase at present, and their views would be listened to.

"The council is committed to serving the whole borough, not just the urban areas," she stressed.