ANGRY residents say a wall built around a fire station should be knocked down because it is an eyesore.

The wall was built at the front of High Handenhold fire station without planning permission four years ago, but residents say it is unsightly, too high and attracts nuisance teenagers.

Residents at High Handenhold, between Stanley and Chester-le-Street, handed a petition to Durham County Council and its planning committee is debating its next move.

A report to the committee yesterday recommended retrospective planning permission be granted, but no final decision will be made until councillors have made a site visit.

The fire station was built in 1996 and the 22metre-long wall was erected a year later despite concerns from residents.

Now, they claim the wall attracts youngsters who use it as a meeting place, that it has reduced visibility at the adjoining road junction, and is of a harsh and unattractive design.

Residents want planners to have the wall removed or reduce its height from 1.25m and replace it with landscaping