pensioners are appalled at plans to build a funeral parlour at the end of their street.

Residents of an old people's home, and a street of bungalows for the elderly have collected a protest petition.

The pensioners, who live in South Stanley, County Durham, say the presence of the parlour - a constant reminder of the Grim Reaper - could have a "negative psychological effect".

Eunice Barker, 70, who lives in a bungalow in Joicey Gardens, said the North-Eastern Co-op Funeral Services' plans would "make her nervous".

"I have always chosen to avoid seeing dead bodies," she said. "It will be particularly bad for the people of Stanfield House old people's home.

"They don't want to be confronted with coffins every time they are taken out. It's insensitive."

The Co-op wants to demolish an existing building and build the parlour behind Stanfield House, close to St Andrew's Church.

A planning application for the parlour has been made to Derwentside District Council.

Ten residents have signed the petition so far, saying they are also concerned about an increase in traffic.

A Co-op spokeswoman said the building would be screened and its business conducted discreetly. "We have built a number of similar buildings across the region and we find people's concerns are often alleviated after we are established.

"We conduct our business behind closed doors and try to be as sensitive as possible."