STRONG opposition is being voiced by people in Chilton over plans to move a school for children with educational and behavioural difficulties to the outskirts of their village.

Durham County Council is planning to move Windlestone Hall School from Rushyford to a new building on land at Chilton Blue House Farm, when money becomes available.

Members of Chilton West Residents' Association met last night to discuss the proposals, which would cost an estimated £4m.

Association secretary Peter Crawforth said he wanted to hear members' views so representations could be made to the council.

Margaret Chappell, of Denebridge Row, described the plans as "appalling".

She said: "We are going to have more problems with this in Chilton. I know it has got to go somewhere, but where are the people in county hall who sit on their backsides all day?

"If I have to, I'll stand alone and chain myself to a bulldozer. I'm not going to have this. I've had enough."

County councillor George Porter, who is chairman of governors at Windlestone Hall, criticised the council for not consulting residents.

He said the governing body would have preferred to see a new school on the Rushyford site and had not been consulted about any move to nearby Chilton.

Coun Porter said: "We have never had one meeting over this issue and I think they have failed to keep the residents of Chilton involved.

"If you want me to fight it, I will fight it because I am as disgusted as you are.

"The county council should have sent someone along to this meeting to discuss this and I think they've failed the people of this area again."

The county council has said that the existing 19th Century building, which has about 60 pupils aged between 11 and 16 years, is unsuitable for its role.

The building would need extensive structural repairs and because surrounding parkland is protected, it prevents the building of a new school in the grounds.

The association is to hold a public meeting to gauge the mood of all residents in the village and will invite a representative from the county council to attend.