A FRIENDS group has stepped up a campaign to protect a group of buildings which are linked to the birth of the railways.

Friends of Darlington Railway Centre and Museum want council officers to preserve and enhance the home of Edward Pease, in which he met Tyneside engineer George Stephenson to discuss plans for the Stockton and Darlington railway.

It comes after complaints were sent to Darlington Borough Council about new signs installed on the row of buildings in Northgate, Darlington.

Two weeks, The Northern Echo revealed that council planning officers had started an investigation into signs placed on the grade-II listed building.

Industrial pioneer Mr Pease is thought to have lived at 146 Northgate, Darlington. Born in 1767, he lived there from 1798 until his death 60 years later.

The homes were converted into shops in 1869 and became takeaways in 2000.

However, the building is part of a row of properties along Northgate which were granted listed status in 1977, and is visited by tourists because of its association with the railways.

Friends of Darlington Railway Centre and Museum has challenged the council to restore the buildings and protect the town's heritage.

In a letter to The Northern Echo, chairman Richard Wimbury, said: "This important group of houses today presents a sorry picture of neglect, dilapidation and tawdriness.

"Firstly, the information plaque is placed on the wrong house in the group - it should be on the house to right, nearer town.

"Secondly, although the houses are listed buildings, they are in an appalling state."

As well as the incorrect plaque, Mr Wimbury has listed an array of problems with the buildings which are in a state of disrepair and now home to pigeons and pizza shops.

Mr Wimbury added: "Three fast food pizza outlets take up the ground floor of this group of historic houses. With their garish signs and advertising slogans they are very much out of keeping with the style and historic importance of this property.

"Surely the house of Edward Pease, the father of the railways deserves better than this?"

A council spokesman invited the group to send its comments to the authority.