A PROPOSED recycling plant in Darlington looks likely to be given planning permission, despite objections.

The site of the scheme, to the north of the Black Path, in Faverdale, is a disused builders' yard surrounded by industrial units. Darlington Borough Council has received 32 letters of objection and a 15-signature petition opposing the plan. Objectors say the plant, which would include a mobile crushing machine, is too close to houses and would generate unacceptable levels of noise, smells and dust. Councillors will consider the application on Wednesday.

CHILD INJURED: A child had to be treated for face injuries after a car collided with a tree in West Road, between Helmington Row and Willington, just after midnight yesterday.

QUIET NIGHT: Police in Bishop Auckland reported a relatively trouble-free New Year's Eve. Several arrests were made for alcohol-related public order offences in Bishop Auckland and West Auckland, but a police spokesman said they were not of a serious nature.

PUB CRAWL: Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is planning a rural pub crawl around County Durham on Friday, January 17. The coach leaves Darlington Market Square at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 for Camra members or £7 for guests. For details call Malcolm Dunstone on (01325) 362462.

BAND CONTEST: Ferryhill Town Council is holding discussions with the town band with a view to arranging a competition in the town in summer. Officials are to explore funding options.

MOTORISTS' GROUP: The Darlington Advanced Motorists group is seeking new members. Anyone interested in joining can attend the group's meetings every second Tuesday of the month, at 7.30pm, in the Indoor Bowls Centre, Darlington. On Tuesday, January 14, David Elliott will give a talk on Darlington Railway Museum.

LANGUAGE COURSES: The Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, is offering evening classes in French, German, Italian and Spanish, starting in the week beginning January 20. For details call (01325) 461315.

CHURCH FUNDRAISER: Tea towels with a design featuring St James the Great Church, in Albert Hill, Darlington, are available at £3.99 each, or £7 for two, from Canon Hinge on (01325) 732002. The church is holding an Epiphany party on Friday, January 10, at 7.30pm, in the church hall.

TICKETS AVAILABLE: A production of Treasure Island by the Methodists in the Madness Players will be performed in Barnard Castle Methodist Church Hall from January 9 to 11. Tickets are available from A Cut Above in the town or church members.

HOME EXTENSION: An application to build a two-storey extension to a house in Aldgrove Way, Darlington, has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

PARTNERSHIP MEETS: The next meeting of the Ferryhill Community Partnership will be on Monday, January 13, at 7.15pm, in Ferryhill Library.