CAMPAIGNERS battling to prevent the removal of features from Darlington's historic High Row have submitted their formal objections to council bosses.

The town's civic trust is fighting against the proposed demolition of the area's three-tiered steps, balustrades and railings, as well as the relocation of the Joseph Pease statue.

The planned alterations to High Row are part of Darlington Borough Council's £6.5m pedestrian scheme.

Trust members have already collected more than 4,600 names on a petition opposing the High Row changes.

They have now lodged their protest against the developments with the town hall.

A six-page letter outlines why the trust feels four planning applications relating to High Row, due to be considered by councillors soon, should not be granted permission.

It says the present three terraced levels are an important feature of the town centre.

It also says: "This Victorian character is unique to Darlington and something of quality which many visitors remark upon with pleasure."

The trust also states that the existing steps have moved in several places but need "careful re-bedding by hand, not demolition and removal".

It adds: "The degradation of High Row over the years has been due to inadequate funding and maintenance by both the present and former highway authorities.

"It looks cluttered and run-down today because the borough council has not treated High Row as a conservation project with appropriate professional and financial support."

The trust also condemns the council's choice of planting boxes, seats, lights, litter bins and other street furniture as inappropriate and out of keeping with the Victorian townscape of High Row.

The new designs are criticised as being no different to what could be found in countless refurbished town centres up and down the country.

Trust chiefs also insist there has not been proper consultation on the plan, saying the public should have been more heavily involved in the choice of design for the scheme.

A council spokesman said last night: "We have received the letter from the civic trust and we're giving it due consideration."