A CAMPAIGN to block the demolition of a historic building has been backed by thousands of residents.

A 2,557-signature petition will be handed in to Middlesbrough Council this morning, to highlight the strength of opposition to the scheme.

Developers are planning to knock down Red Cottage, in Nunthorpe, near Middlesbrough, for an apartment development with car parking.

The proposal, from Signet Planning, SMC Developments and Bett Homes, is to demolish the Edwardian family residence, and former home of Lady Harrison, and replace it with a block of 33 flats.

Campaigner Jo Turner said: "The response has been immense. So far, the council has received almost 700 letters of objection, and now this 2,557- signature petition. We have been successful in saying a very loud 'no' in response to the developers' plans."

Kath Green, another protestor, said: "What we have proved with the petition is that we are not a bunch of Nimbys (not in my back yard objectors) - the whole of Nunthorpe is behind the campaign to save Red Cottage.

The objectors say that, not only is the cottage an important part of local heritage, the scheme would put the safety of children at risk.

"Guisborough Road is already subject to traffic-calming to protect the hundreds of schoolchildren who use the road to get to the four local schools in the area," Ms Green said.

"The developers propose to put the access to the flats on a blind bend, with seriously-limited visibility. It would be an accident waiting to happen, and one we wish to prevent."

A spokeswoman for Signet Planning, the agents acting on behalf of the developers, previously said the proposal had been amended, following a public exhibition in March, by reducing the number of flats by six, to 33.

She said: "We are aware of the concerns that residents have regarding the scheme, and have looked to address these, in addition to ensuring that the scheme satisfies current planning policy and guidance."

More than 450 people attended a public meeting last month, and campaigners have taken to the streets in an attempt to save the Edwardian family home.

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.spanglefish.com/saveredcottage