A councillor who helped wage a campaign to stop a rubbish depot being built on his doorstep fears his predictions for the site are coming true.

Stainton and Streatlam parish councillor, Tony Cooke, was among members of Stainton Grove Action Group who held Premier Waste Management at bay for two years as they battled to prevent the waste transfer station becoming operational near their Barnard Castle homes.

The case was due to be heard in the High Court last November until they were advised to withdraw their legal bid and to take action instead in the event of any nuisance or danger.

In a letter to his district representative, Coun Robin Simpson, Coun Cooke claims that now the depot is operating, Premier Waste Management is "doing its own thing".

He said: "When they were granted an operator's licence by the Environment Agency there were certain conditions they had to adhere to. But they are breaching those daily.

"We've previously reported that the main doors are fully open for most of its operational working hours. It gets reported to the agency, the doors get closed for a couple of days and then staff revert to operating with them open again."

Coun Cooke said the practice meant smells and vehicular noise carried to the residential part of the estate, causing unnecessary stress and nuisance.

"Some residents have complained to the agency's helpline, but when they see nothing gets done then they complain to me as their parish councillor."

Coun Cooke also outlined complaints about speeding vehicles, lack of load inspections, and Sunday working.

"It would appear the conditions agreed are not worth the paper they're printed on."

A spokesman said the agency was aware of Coun Cooke's letter and said: "We take all complaints very seriously and will be investigating.

"We will be looking to see which bits fall under our remit and what we can address, but things such as vehicle movements are a planning matter."