OPPONENTS of plans to expand a Yarm pub were expected to lobby councillors yesterday.

Objectors claim plans to build a two-storey extension on the New Cross Keys, and expand into a neighbouring building, could turn the town into a "Las Vegas" style place.

Yesterday, members of Stockton Council planning committee were due to visit the High Street site before deciding the application.

Objectors, including many residents in nearby High Church Wynd ,were expected to lobby them.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Yarm is not Las Vegas. It is a jewel in the heart of industrial Teesside and this kind of development should not be allowed.

"We have a profusion of bars, restaurants and pubs in the High Street and have done for years. We do not mind people using them as long as they have consideration for others, which most generally do.

"However, we have had quite a bit of trouble with people tearing down hanging baskets, stealing door knockers and having sex in the Wynd.

"We have lived here for 18 years and it is a lovely place to live; we do not wish to see it being turned into a jungle.

"Once one pub gets permission to extend all the others will try."

The planning committee will today discuss the application, which officers have recommended for approval.

No more, says

Kirkleatham

MORE than 50 villagers from Kirkleatham have responded to a report on how to revitalise the village.

The response was mixed, but people said there should be no new housing, even though Redcar and Cleveland Council hopes to raise money from selling land to developers to spend elsewhere in the community.

The council report also suggests selling Kirkleatham Hall Museum to a hotel chain and moving the museum to the old stable block.

The public response to that idea was more positive, although one respondent simply said: "Leave Kirkleatham alone."

Get blooming

THE first meeting of the Coatham Community Forum's New Venture Coatham-in-Bloom project group is on Monday at Coatham Adult Learning Centre on Coatham Road, Redcar, at 6.30. Anybody from the area is welcome; for details call Jean on 01642 502505