A CAMPAIGN to stop a housing development on greenfield land beyond a village boundary gained momentum on Monday night.

Scores of villagers turned out in force at the third meeting of the Hurworth Against Detrimental Development campaign group (HADD).

The group was launched after it was revealed that the Banks Group had entered into an "option agreement" to buy land at the rear of Westfield Drive in the picturesque village near Darlington.

Initially, it is understood that 100 new houses are proposed for farmland but campaigners fear it could be considerably more. An initial survey suggests that 85 per cent of the villagers are opposed to the development.

Tonight's meeting was told that a meeting is to take place on Wednesday afternoon between representatives of Banks Group and parish council officials to give an update on the proposals.

It was agreed that HADD would sent two representatives to the meeting, which is to take place at Hurworth Grange at 3.30pm.

HADD chairman Carol Paylor said: "We have had a fantastic turnout tonight and it demonstrates very clearly the strength of feeling in Hurworth against this development.

"We will attend the meeting in order to gather information which has so far been denied to the people of this villlage. We intend to make it very clear that we will not be steam-rollered."

Darlington borough councillor for Hurworth Lorraine Tostevin added: "I think it is right that HADD is represented at the meeting because it is vital that we gather as much information as possible about what is being planned.

"Villagers have responded impressively and coherently and it is very clear there is a real community spirit coming to the fore."