VILLAGERS have launched a campaign against proposed changes to two of their community buildings.

A number of residents in Sedgefield village are fighting plans to extend the historic Ceddesfeld Hall by building a function room for private and community events.

Protestors believe the extension will ruin the character of the Georgian building, which was built in 1793 and was granted grade II-listed status by English Heritage.

Residents also say the extension would spell the end of the village's parish hall, which has been the hub of community activities for more than a century.

Campaigner Norma Neal said: "We think that the parish hall would be sold in order to fund the development at Ceddesfeld Hall.

"There is a lot of feeling that people want things to remain as they are. The parish hall should be in the centre of the village because of its history and convenience and we hoped work could be done to solve the problems there.

"There are good parking facilities behind the parish hall, but the same cannot be said about Ceddesfeld Hall. Residents who live close to it fear the increased usage will add to noise pollution.

"It would be awful if this development, which is not widely supported in the village, ruined the character of the hall.

"The beautiful parkland setting will also suffer, as several mature trees would have to be felled to make way for the extension."

The plans have been drawn up by Sedgefield Town councillors, who have been attempting to resolve sound-proofing problems at the parish hall for years.

The council wants to move noisy and late night events to the Ceddesfeld Hall extension to avoid disturbing neighbours.

It enlisted the help of independent consultants and members of the public to find a way forward.

Mrs Neal, who is chairman of Sedgefield Players, said if the parish hall closed it could also threaten the future of the players drama group.

A petition against the plan can be signed at several local businesses, and at Sedgefield Drama Festival in the parish hall, from tomorrow until Saturday, or by calling Mrs Neal on (01740) 620091.