VILLAGERS opposing plans to close a hotel in the childhood village of author Lewis Carroll will have their say next week.

A public meeting will be held on Friday, to discuss proposals to convert the Croft Spa Hotel, near Darlington, into 39 flats and houses.

Richmondshire District Council has received three planning applications from the hotel's owners, the Coast and Country group.

The firm wants to convert the Grade II-listed hotel into ten flats with an additional six two-storey houses, 14 two-storey flats and nine three-storey flats.

Residents are opposing the plans because they believe it would destroy the heart of the village.

They have drawn up a petition of 85 signatures from the village which will be presented to the council this week.

Members of Richmondshire District Council's highway committee and planning department, owners of the hotel, parish councillors and residents will meet to discuss the plans at Croft Village Hall in Friday, at 7.30pm.