PEOPLE living on a Teesdale estate have vowed to continue fighting against plans for a waste depot being sited near their homes after their latest appeal was refused.

Eight residents from Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, travelled to the High Court in London on Thursday, to hear the appeal against a refusal to allow a judicial review into the siting of the waste transfer station. Although the original decision was upheld, Ruth Renton, co-ordinator of the Stainton Grove Action Group (Stag), said the group was considering an appeal and the fight was far from over.

The original application for a judicial review was refused because it was submitted outside a three-month time limit.

However, members of Stag argued that they were never made aware of the proper legal process to apply for a judicial review until it was too late.

Mrs Renton said: "The judge said that while he had sympathy and understanding for our case, it was a point of law.

"At the moment we are all feeling a bit tired. The case lasted about seven and a half hours and we did not get back until very late. It was then a case of having to go to work and school early the next day.

"Everybody is annoyed, but not in the least bit defeatist. This has only strengthened our resolve."

The fight has been continuing for more than 18 months, since Durham County Council, on behalf of contractor Premier Waste Management, announced plans for the waste transfer station.

After the original application for a judicial review was refused, a county council spokesman said: "The council has always insisted it has acted correctly in this matter and the judge's decision reflects this. The words he uses leave no room for doubt and his decision is a victory for common sense.

"The authority hopes this is now the end of the matter and we can progress with providing this much-needed facility, which will be a huge asset for the people of Teesdale and County Durham."

Stag members have said they will use the site for a community project should they win their case.