residents are protesting at plans to erect "monster" pylons on their doorsteps.

Families say work has started with trees running into double figures marked for felling - without local people first being consulted.

They claim a leaflet about the plans arrived on their doormats in Eston, Teesside, on Thursday evening.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council says it has held talks with Eston Residents Association since March.

Residents are holding a town meeting on Monday.

Ged Demoily, the council's parks and countryside manager, will be attending.

A council spokesman said: "He will be there in effect to alleviate any fears residents may have and to confirm our excellent working relationship with the National Grid."

Eston resident Chris Beadle said: "People who live in the path of the first of the pylons have been trying to find out for the past six months whether this is actually going ahead or not.

"I have been up there and there are dozens of trees marked to be felled or lopped.''

He said the "monster" pylons would be an eyesore and undermine house values.

Pat Shea, of South Lackenby, said posts marking the sites for the pylons are less than 200 yards from a row of 24 cottages.

Chairwoman Ann Higgins said the residents' association had to raise the question of the pylons with the council to elicit a response. She said a box of 500 leaflets was left with the association three weeks ago for distribution.

She said: "We are not a delivery or run-around service for the council, nor do we represent all of Eston. Bankfields and Whale Hill have their separate residents' associations. Eston is a large area."

A National Grid spokesman claimed the 400,000-volt power line carried on 46.5-metre high pylons was "positive news for residents" as an existing 275,000-volt line and sections of two 66,000-volt lines would be removed. He said more than 9,000 leaflets had been distributed in the borough.