PROTESTORS battling to prevent a refuse depot being built near their homes have raised £500 for a fighting fund.

They need £2,000 to pay a solicitor and barrister to apply for a judicial review into the way planning consent was given for the depot at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Durham County Council was due to start work on building the depot a month ago, but it was delayed when scores of residents turned out to demonstrate.

Workmen have cut down several hundred trees and laid hardcore to start preparing the site for the depot, which would process refuse from across Teesdale.

The residents hope the planning consent will be rescinded once the judicial review is held into the way the proposal was handled by the county council and Teesdale District Council.

Both councils have said they acted correctly and that the refuse station will be built.

The residents said it could cause a serious health risk, as well as create extra traffic on busy roads.

Ruth Renton, campaign co-ordinator, said yesterday: "We know that we need at least £2,000 for our legal action and, after just a week, we are well on the way to reaching it.

"I am sure it will not take us long to reach our target."

Protestors are holding a fun day in a field off Gipsy Lane, near Stainton Grove, on Sunday, from 10am to 2pm to raise funds.

Anyone wanting to hold a craft stall can call Ms Renton on (01833) 690933.