The decision by the Probation Service to appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a bail hostel has been greeted with dismay.

People power last year blocked controversial plans for a 25-bed bail hostel in the centre of Chester-le-Street after a passionate campaign by residents.

But following jubilant scenes at the Civic Centre when councillors voted to throw out the plans, protestors are again facing a long battle with the Probation Service.

Planning officers said the fear of increased crime caused by the hostel would lead to 'a substantial and widely experienced reduction of the quality of lives' of many in the town.

A statement from County Durham Probation Service's assistant chief officer Keith Norman read: "We are committed to having a hostel in County Durham as it is totally unacceptable for us to continue to rely on our neighbours in Teesside and Northumbria.

"The site has been well researched in terms of providing all suitable services and meets all the recommendations provided by the Home Office.

"The Civic Centre site remains our favoured option, and the appeal is being lodged on the basis of securing an independent and objective view."

He added: "I would urge the public to listen to the facts rather than be persuaded by rumour and misinformation."

Protestor Pam Tweddle said campaigners, who gathered more than 4,000 signatures of people opposing the original scheme, said they would do whatever it takes to ensure the plans are stopped once and for all.

She said: "I am totally dismayed that they are going to appeal, but you can be sure we will fight them to the bitter end.

"It's back to the drawing board for us but this time we know what we're doing. The bail hostel is going to come here unless we do something about it.

"We have to work with Chester-le-Street District Council to help them with this. It won't be done for the lack of trying that's for sure."

The appeal goes to the Planning Application Ombudsman this week and has Home Office backing. If the Planning Inspectorate overturns the district council's original decision, the Probation Service still has to hope they sell them the land.