A COUNCIL leader reassured anti-bail hostel protestors in Chester-le-Street that the Probation Service didn't have 'a cat in hell's chance' of building the facility in the town.

Addressing a packed public meeting in the town centre's Greenbank Club, Chester-le-Street District Council leader Malcolm Pratt urged residents to work with the council in blocking the controversial plans.

Mr Pratt told the 300 people present that the council would not sell their land to the Probation Service.

He told them: "My own personal view is that I don't think there is a cat in hell's chance of them building on that site.

"I want to work with you in vigorously opposing the planning appeal. We will engage the best possible lawyers to help our case, even though we are a small council who are hardly awash with money. Let's work together to win."

Along with the council's chief planning officer Tom Watson, Mr Pratt was invited to address last Wednesday's meeting following the Planning Inspectorate's decision to take the appeal to public inquiry. This is expected to start in the summer.

He warned that the Probation Service is likely to see Chester-le-Street as a test case for similar appeals around the country.

Mr Pratt explained: "We don't know why they put an appeal in, but we feel it's because they want to win on the 'fear of crime' issue. If we win the appeal, other councils could successfully use this clause."

When challenged on whether the council would sell its land, he replied: "The land is not for sale.

"We are hardly likely to sell the land having turned down their application in the first place.

"Even if they do win the appeal the Probation Service cannot make us sell the land. However, the Home Office can use compulsory purchase."

The protest group's next meeting is at 7.30pm next Wednesday at the Greenbank Clu