THE OWNER of a fast food catering van has set up a petition after being told to leave his patch.

Paul Williamson has been operating Paulie's Pig Out on a lay-by near Harperley for the past five weeks, but Durham County Council has asked him to move.

The council has received two complaints about the van's location, but Mr Williamson insists he is causing no harm and wants to prove that most members of the public are in favour of his stall.

"I don't want to move off the lay-by," said Mr Williamson. "I haven't had any complaints at all. I keep the lay-by tidy and it's causing no obstruction. I'm not moving."

Mr Williamson, who set up stall near Harperley after the council moved him from Tow Law earlier in the year, started collecting support yesterday.

He added: "Ninety per cent of my customers are from Wolsingham. They all love the idea there's somewhere to stop and have a break."

The petition has so far gained signatures from dozens of people from as far afield as Leeds.

Colin Hodgson, deputy area engineer for Durham County Council, said complaints had been received but the petition would be considered by county councillors looking at the issue.