WORRIED residents have vowed to challenge a supermarket's appeal after plans to move a petrol station near to a Darlington school were rejected.

Asda's proposal to move its petrol station in Whinbush Way to the opposite side of the store's car park were refused by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee in November.

The supermarket has lodged an appeal and the Government's Planning Inspectorate will have the final say.

Residents are concerned the proposals will cause traffic hazards, pollution and congestion, and they fear the station would be too close to Whinfield Primary School.

Asda also wants to close the car park exits near traffic lights in Whinbush Way.

Bev Hutchinson, of The Firs, launched a petition and is organising a written objection from the community.

She said the plans would increase traffic and restrict drivers' views of the pedestrian crossing in Whinbush Way - also a concern of parents of children at the school.

"There is going to be an accident," Ms Hutchinson.

She said they were also worried about pollution and the site being a fire hazard.

She said: "It is not far enough away. The council refused this unanimously on the grounds of safety. They said it was too close to The Firs and the school."

Resident Wendy Stacey said: "There has been no consultation. They say they work for the good of the community but they won't speak to us."

Councillor Veronica Copeland said she and fellow ward councillor Tom Nutt were supporting residents.

She said: "It is major issue for them. They are really concerned about safety at the junction."

A spokesman for Asda said, following consultation with residents, the scheme had been revised so the proposed petrol station was further away from houses.

He said: "We are committed to providing a competitively priced petrol station for our customers and we are confident that the merits of the application will be recognised on appeal."