MEMBERS of a County Durham tenants' group are planning to storm a council meeting to protest about its lack of funding.

Chester-le-Street Tenants' Panel will attend a full meeting of the district council tonight at the civic centre in the town centre.

About 18 members are expected to turn up in a long running row over funding.

Chairman of the panel Sue Robson said its £1,500 grant was far to small to cover its running costs and members were out of pocket. She said the panel needed £50,000 a year from the council coffers to represent the views of tenants across the district.

Mrs Robson said: "We want our say and we want to say it in front of members so we can make a case.

"We might be asked to leave but we are sick of being ignored so enough is enough."

Mrs Robson has written to every Chester-le-Street councillor asking if the panel can give a ten-minute presentation. She said the £50,000 would be spent on newsletters, residents' forums, travelling expenses, computer and phone facilities, maintaining a website, holding an advice centre as well as stamps and stationery.

A spokesman for Chester-le-Street District Council said: "The council's executive recognises the important work that the tenants panel do and would wish to support their work.

"In doing this however, the chair of the panel has requested that the £50,000 be made available each year.

"The executive has asked that we understand how this bid for funding is made up, and what will be needed and how before we consider it further. I am sure that all council tenants would appreciate that the council and tenants panel need to know how any such funding is to be used before the council can approve the request.

Tonight's meeting starts at 6pm and is open to the public.