PROTESTORS battling against a waste handling plant near their homes have called a meeting to express their views.

The campaigners have called their own meeting on Tuesday because they claim Teesdale District Council has stalled attempts for a public debate on the planned waste transfer centre at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Ruth Renton, co-ordinator of the Stainton Grove Action Group said: "We are extending an invitation to Teesdale District Council, Durham County Council and Premier Waste Management to attend the public meeting with residents.

"The action group feels that this is necessary as, despite its best efforts to get all concerned to a meeting, obstacles have been put in the way of a healthy debate.

"We have complied with the stringent conditions laid down by the county council. We have called a halt to the procrastination, as the time for debate is well overdue.

"The parties concerned will have 48 hours notice of the questions to be asked so they can prepare answers.

"All our questions must be answered before the waste transfer station is built, not after it goes into operation."

The council arranged the original public meeting after the protestors, who include most of the 130 families living in Stainton Grove, disrupted a council meeting and one campaigner chained himself to the council door.

Last night, Charles Anderson, chief executive of Teesdale council, said: "I have not received an invitation to this latest meeting and I think it is strange that the Press has been notified about it before the recipients.

"I am not prepared to comment on an invitation I have not received. Anyway, I have prior engagements on Tuesday."

The meeting will take place at Stainton Grove Community Centre, at 6.30pm.