PROTESTERS trying to halt the building of a refuse depot near their homes are planning to travel to London if their case is heard by a High Court judge.

A group of campaigners will make the 500-mile round trip from Stainton Grove near Barnard Castle, County Durham, if the judicial review they have requested is approved.

Their solicitor, Richard Buxton, has formally applied for a review, and, if his bid is successful, a judge will look at how Durham County Council was granted planning consent for the scheme.

Ruth Renton, co-ordinator of the campaign, said yesterday: "I will definitely be going to the High Court to hear what is said, and a lot of my neighbours want to be there, too.

"Our lawyer says that if a review is granted, it will be held weeks, rather than months, from now.

"Perhaps we will fill a coach with campaigners, but there is so much interest that we may fill a train."

The group has already raised more than £1,000 towards the legal expenses.

It has more fundraising events lined up, including an auction and disco night at the Jersey Farm Hotel on Friday, October 31.

County council officials have insisted that the whole procedure was handled correctly and that the depot is urgently needed to handle Teesdale's refuse.

The protesters claim the development is too near more than 100 houses on their estate, and that it will be a danger to health, as well as ruining the local environment.