MOUNTAINS of crushed concrete from the site of the former Darlington College are leaving local residents housebound.

Clouds of orange dust from the "pyramids" are blowing down streets surrounding the Cleveland Avenue site and leaving a layer of grit on cars and gardens.

As part of the demolition process, developers Charles Church has to crush the bricks and concrete from the old building on-site, forming piles which will be used in road construction.

Local ward councillor Ian Galletley said that the unseasonably dry weather had compounded the problems for people living near the site.

He said: "Council officials said the dust was within acceptable limits, but I would agree with the people of Elton Road in saying it is definitely not acceptable.

"They look like two slag heaps. They are absolute monsters."

Darlington Borough Council confirmed that council officers have met the developers to discuss the situation.

A spokesman for the council said: "We have asked the developers to reduce the level of dust from the crushing process and they have agreed to damp down the heaps."

However, that is scant consolation for the residents of Elton Road, who say they have had to put up with two months of noise and dust.

Bob Beevers, who is recovering after four weeks in intensive care following a car crash, said: "I normally spend a lot of time in my garden, especially this time of year, but I can't do that with all the racket from the machinery and the dust blowing about.

"I just can't see the logic of piling it so high.

"At one point, they were like pyramids."

Michael Thompson, also of Elton Road, said he had to keep his windows closed to stop the fine dust from getting inside his house.

He said: "I have to clean my car at least every other day because of the amount of dust coming off the site.

"It is costing us as well. We have to have the tumble dryer on because we can't dry our washing normally and we are using metered water to dampen down the dust in the garden."

Ian Curry, Charles Church North East construction director, said the crushing would only last for another week.

He said: "We will make sure we constantly monitor the situation and remain in regular contact with the local authority's environmental department."