PROTESTORS fighting to stop a bail hostel being built in their town are confident the plan will be thrown out tonight.

Chester-le-Street district councillors will vote on the proposal at the civic centre, as opposition to the 25-bedroom hostel continues to grow.

An estimated 1,000 people joined a protest march through the town centre, on Saturday, to voice their disapproval.

Members of Residents Against the Bail Hostel said the turn-out showed the strength of opposition to the development, proposed for the Picktree Terrace and Newcastle Road area.

Protestor and local resident Bill Dinsdale said: "The march showed that Chester-le-Street just does not want this hostel.

"We marched straight up Front Street, and people in shops were coming out to wave at us, drivers were tooting their car horns, and people were asking if they could join us.

"We are going to turn out as many people as we can at the civic centre tonight. They will let some of us in to see the vote, and the rest are going to pack the corridors."

Planning officers have recommended that councillors reject the plan, arguing that fear of increased crime would reduce the quality of life for locals.

The hostel would house alleged offenders, released on bail, and recently released prisoners.

Mr Dinsdale said they were "fairly confident" about the decision because of the planning officers' recommendation