ANGRY residents of a leafy hamlet have launched a campaign to stop a power company from chopping down up to 40 trees.

Villagers in North Close, near Spennymoor, say they are outraged at plans by electricity supplier Northern Electric Distribution (NEDL) to fell the trees.

The company has told residents it needs to remove the trees to prevent disruptions to the electricity supply during high winds and stop people climbing them to reach the overhead cables.

But residents have vowed to fight the proposal and have collected more than 100 names on a petition to save the trees, which line the main road through the village and a back lane.

They feel that if the trees are cut down, the village will lose its character and identity.

Louise Black said: "They are part of the charm of North Close, and a reason people live here."

Residents also feel that if the company is allowed to fell the trees without a fight, a precedent will be set.

Resident Ethel McGee said: "We have to try to save them - for the environment, wildlife and history and appearance of this rural community.

"If they are allowed to go ahead then they will keep doing this to other villages, and the North-East will be left with no trees."

Campaigners have called a public meeting in Kirk Merrington Community Centre, at 5.30pm today, which a representative from NEDL will attend.

An NEDL spokesperson said: "The company invests significantly in its tree trimming programme, which is one of the most important maintenance activities it undertakes.

"As part of our policy of environmental respect, we always aim to maintain the appearance and health of trees and other vegetation while taking likely future growth into account."

Householders will urge bosses to consider re-routing the cables, which currently run through the tree canopies, underground.

Resident Dorothy Robson said: "There are power supply problems already - we're starting having more power cuts in winter and one neighbour says if next door turns the electric shower on, their lights go dim.

"There would seem to be a case for the company to upgrade the network and put the wires underground, solving both problems."

Charlie Walton, head of planning services at Sedgefield Borough Council, said the council is fully aware of the issues and will consider what action it will take after tonight's meeting.