CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build a recycling and waste transfer station near their homes have welcomed a report criticising the proposals.

The report was submitted to a scrutiny committee at Teesdale District Council by a working party that looked at why the authority had chosen Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, above six other sites.

Both Teesdale council's community services committee and Durham County Council came in for criticism for their inability to test the other sites, or to find out public views at an early stage regarding the application by Premier Waste Management.

The report went on to say that because no public consultation took place until June, nearly two years after the initial selection, it was considered by many residents to be a foregone conclusion.

A letter was read out from Stainton Grove councillor Robin Simpson, who was unable to attend, stating that he disagreed with the scrutiny group's finding that members had assigned their responsibilities to the public, Press and the county council.

His statement went on to say that even though he was recovering from a heart attack, he had attended several community association meetings at Stainton Grove, during which he kept them as up to date as possible.

Councillor William Salvin, a working group member, said: "Councillor Simpson was consistent in raising need for consultation. But, that accepted, it did not affect the recommendations of the working party."

Coun Salvin said the community services committee had got it wrong, but it was not its job as a working group to say why. It was agreed that the matter should once again go before the full council later this year.

Following the meeting, Stainton Grove Action Group co-ordinator Ruth Renton, said: "I am hoping that they will look at this matter again and rescind the original decision, but, in the meantime, a provisional date of December 18 has been set for the planning application to go before the county council, which is also the date of the next full Teesdale council meeting.

"If it turns out that both meetings are on the same date, we will muster protestors at both," said Mrs Renton, who also said funding was in place to provide transport to county hall.