AN ORGANISATION committed to promoting the interests of rural England has become so concerned about developments around a market town that it has called a public meeting.

Over the past few months, the Council for the Protection of Rural England has become increasingly worried about a series of actual and potential developments, focused around Barnard Castle and the surrounding area.

Jan Arger, a member of CPRE who lives in the area, said: "We consider that these pose a very real threat to the quality of life for residents, as well as the nature and quality of the countryside in these areas."

Among the issues concerning the organisation are the proposed waste transfer station at Stainton Grove and its associated recycling scheme; proposed housing developments at Thorngate, Montalbo Road and the Demesnes in Barnard Castle; and wind turbine and traffic issues, including speed, hazard and noise.

"We would like to establish a CPRE group in the area to address these and other issues that will undoubtedly arise," said Ms Arger. "We will be holding a meeting next week to discuss these matters. Anyone who is interested will be made very welcome."

CPRE recognises the part that parish councils and committed locals play in maintaining what it describes as an appropriate and sustainable environment, and that other people and organisations are currently working to protect the area within their own particular spheres of interest.

But Ms Arger said: "We feel that the planned and potential development proposals present such a significant threat to the integrity of the area that concerted action will be needed to ensure satisfactory protection.

"We hope this meeting will be a first step along that path. And that all who are interested - parish councils and concerned individuals - will be able to come to the meeting to voice their concerns about Teesdale."

The meeting takes place at the Witham Hall in Barnard Castle at 7pm on Tuesday.