FEARS over the £56m expansion of Durham Tees Valley Airport are growing in a village south of Darlington.

More than 100 people have already written to planning bosses at Darlington Borough Council expressing concerns.

Many are from Long Newton, near Stockton, but some residents of Middleton-St-George are also worried.

Some say the plans, which will create 2,500 jobs and include a hotel, air freight operation and business park, will cause noise, light and air pollution.

There are concerns about the destruction of green land and wildlife.

And some worry the expansion will devalue homes in the village.

A letter from Jeff Quick of The Crescent, Middleton-St-George, which was copied to The Northern Echo, reads: "I wish to object in the strongest terms to the approval of this application."

He lists ten reasons, including destruction of green land and fear there could be an increase in crime.

He said: "A recent independent village survey has already determined that facilities and services within the village and surrounding area are currently running over capacity.

"This development will only exacerbate the problems, and will impact on the safety of village residents and the congestion of the road system."

Airport managing director Hugh Lang is taking a roadshow explaining the plans to 14 parish councils and local authorities; including Middleton-St-George.

Mr Lang has held five meetings so far, and hopes to complete the other nine before March.

He said: "This planning application has taken us nine months to prepare.

"We held an open day on Wednesday for people to view the plans and about 60 people came along.

"There were comments made about the business park. There is a lot design work and landscaping within the plans."

Doris Jones, parish councillor for Middleton-St-George, said: "There is some concern, mainly from the Oaktree estate over the business park.

"We all want the airport to expand and create jobs for this area.

"Mr Lang has agreed to come out and do a presentation to the council and villagers.

"Most people are keeping an open mind until then."

Scores of people from Long Newton have written to the council to object to the expansion until the A66 in the village is improved.

The airport plans will be discussed by the council in May or June. A date for the Middleton-St-George presentation has not been set as yet.