A parish council in North Yorkshire has become embroiled in a row with the US defence department over the future of a kindergarten.

Plans for a kindergarten at Menwith Hill, the top secret American listening base near Harrogate, have caused anger among the neighbours who feel site personnel should send their youngsters to schools in the local community instead.

The new kindergarten would be linked to the site's middle and high school.

A planning application has been tabled by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of Menwith Hill.

Although Harrogate Borough Council planners have not objected to the scheme, Felliscliffe Parish Council has done so.

The parish council has pointed out that some local schools are struggling to keep up numbers in a bid to fend off threat of closure and that more pupils would be welcomed.

Because the planning application is by the Ministry of Defence, local councils can only make observations. They are unable to refuse planning permission.