A PROPOSAL to keep vandals away from a County Durham church is likely to be rejected by councillors.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, in Newton Aycliffe, has submitted a planning application to install railings and fencing around the church and car park.

Church leaders say the move is to improved security after two arson attacks and incidences of theft, vandalism and graffiti at the church in recent years.

They feel that the introduction of 1.8m high railings and palisade fencing would act as a deterrent to the continuous and costly disturbances they say are suffered at the church.

But Sedgefield Borough Council has received a petition signed by 11 residents of nearby Shafto Way, who feel the railings would be an eyesore and "prison like".

Planning officers will recommend refusal of the proposal at a meeting of the council's development control committee tomorrow.

A report to councillors says: "The provision of the railings in this prominent location would be detrimental to the character and visual amenities of the street scene."

But a second application, for various alterations to the church exterior, is likely to be approved.

Proposed improvements include replacement of windows, doors and part of the roof, new bicycle racks, removal of lampposts, and resurfacing of the 43-space car park.