PROTESTORS facing a second battle to stave off bail hostel plans in Chester-le-Street town centre are holding a public meeting next week.

The Greenbank Club, scene of many heated meetings during the first campaign to block plans for the 25-bed hostel, will hold the gathering on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

A Probation Service decision to appeal against blocked plans for a hostel next to the Civic Centre was met with dismay from Chester-le-Street residents this week.

Campaigners held urgent talks with North Durham MP Giles Radice last night, in a bid to thrash out a battle plan against the proposals.

Probation Service bosses say they are committed to building a hostel in County Durham to avoid having to rely on hostels in Teesside and Northumbria