VILLAGERS who had hoped to raise money to keep industrial units in their village say they are disappointed that they have been sold privately.

Two councils were also interested in buying the units at St John's Chapel, in Weardale, after glass fibre company Lamplas decided to move out.

People who are desperate to attract jobs to the area after the Eastgate cement works closes next month are anxious to know what the new owner intends to do with the units.

Weardale councillor John Shuttleworth said: "I had ten people lined up to put up £1,000 each to buy the units as a last resort. Durham County Council and Wear Valley District Council also agreed to go 50/50 to take them over."

"I think Lamplas should have at least offered the units to the council, or put them on the open market, given the situation with the closure of the cement works."

Lamplas director Jim D'Eath said the company had no room to expand on the site but had wanted to stay in Weardale. It had looked at other premises in the area, including the cement works site.

A new contract meant that it was no longer viable for the company to stay in St John's Chapel, forcing a decision to transfer seven of the ten staff to other premises in Castleside, Consett.

Mr D'Eath said: "All but three members of staff came with us, and they decided they did not want to travel."