A FIRE station wall branded unsightly by villagers looks set to stay - but it could get a facelift.

People living in Co-operative Terrace, High Handenhold, between Chester-le-Street and Stanley, have lodged an objection to a retrospective planning application to retain the wall which was built, along with the fire station, in 1997.

But Durham County Council's planning committee will be recommended tomorrow to give approval provided steps are taken to make it more attractive.

The wall was put up without details being submitted to the county council's planning permission and now the fire brigade is seeking permission for it to stay. But people in Co-operative Terrace say it should be removed and replaced by landscaping.

Residents say youths gather by the wall and cause noise and nuisance, particularly at night, that it has reduced visibility of a nearby road junction, that it hides views of the ground floors of houses in Co-operative Terrace and that it has a "harsh and utilitarian'' design.

Chester-le-Street District Council says it considers the wall to be satisfactory and Pelton Urpeth parish councils have made no comments about the application.