People living near a proposed gipsy site are being asked for their opinion on the development.

Jim Mounsey wants to change the use of his land on Blackwell Moor Farm, in Snipe Lane, near Stressholme Golf Course, to house six caravans. Darlington Borough Council refused the application, but Mr Mounsey has now appealed to the Secretary of State who is asking for people's opinions of the situation. Mr Mounsey has the backing of the Gipsy Council in his appeal.

CHARITY EVENT: The Darlington and district branch of the Cats Protection League is holding an autumn fair tomorrow at St Cuthberts Church Centre, Market Place, Darlington, between 10am and 12.30pm. There will be various stalls and admission is free.

CARE HOME: Permission is to be granted for a 74-bed care home to be built at Whinbush Way, in Darlington. Councillors have been recommended to give the go-ahead to the St Martin's Care plans when they meet next week.

DANCE SCHOOLl: A dance school could open in Ridsdale Street, Darlington, if planning permission is granted. Julian Taylor has applied to turn a shop in the street into a dance school.

CHILDREN'S HELP: Parents of children with dyslexia are invited to a demonstration of a new aid to help them learn multiplication tables. The multi-sensory table packs will be on display at Morrison's business training centre in Morton Park, Darlington on Wednesday, from 7pm until 8.45pm. For details call (01325) 387700.

FLAT BUILD: Hanover Housing Association has applied for planning permission to build 42 self-contained residential care apartments on two floors, off Yarm Road, in Darlington. Darlington Borough Council has been recommended to grant permission when it meets next week.

SHOWER FIRE: Two fire engines were sent to a blaze in a bathroom at a house in Longfield Road, Darlington, yesterday. The fire broke out at 2.35am.

WHIST DRIVE: St Michael's Church, in Bishop Middleham, is holding a rainbow whist and domino drive in the village hall, Bishop Middleham, at 2pm tomorrow. Admission is £1 including refreshments. There will also be a raffle. Proceeds are in aid of church funds.

BAR PERFORMANCE: One of the region's major writing, publishing and performance groups, Vane Women, will give a reading next month. The programme of writing will include all 11 members of the group performing in the Garden Bar of the Darlington Arts Centre. For tickets and information call (01325) 486555.

NEW HOUSING: Darlington Borough Council has been recommended to grant planning permission for a 413 homes estate. The council will decide whether to give the go ahead for the new estate off Firthmoor Crescent at a meeting next week. The application has been submitted by Haslam Homes and Barratt Homes.