ANGRY residents have formed an action group to fight proposals for a sewer near their homes.

People living in Bladeside, Crook, say plans by Northumbrian Water will have a major impact on an area where their children play.

The group also said Wear Valley District Council should have informed them of plans sooner.

Eileen Hunter, one of the founders of the group, said: "I am astonished that the first we know of the development is from the planning application. Surely it would have been common sense for the council to discuss the proposals with us first - especially as it owns the land."

Neighbour Pauline Jackson said: "It seems the council do not care about destroying an area where our children play and dogs are exercised."

Bob Hope, director of regeneration at the council, said that residents had been informed of the plans in writing and notices had been put up.

He said: "We have had an application from Northumbrian Water. No decision has been made and we are asking the company to organise a public meeting to explain to the residents what they are planning to do.''

A spokeswoman for Northumbrian Water said the company was more than happy to attend a public meeting with the council and residents.

She said: "We would be happy to go to a public meeting to give reassurance and advice to residents about the scheme.

"This is not a new sewage scheme. We are improving assets that we already have."

She said there were already two pipes on the site that discharge storm water into the beck.