Opponents of a planned oil well close to Hadrian's Wall will make their views known at a public meeting on Tuesday.

Australian firm Roc Oil has submitted an application to Northumberland County Council to drill for oil and gas at Bingfield, near the A68, north of Corbridge.

The company plans to drill to a depth of 2000 metres for 12 weeks, using a 35-metre high drilling rig.

Roc considers the site a potential one for exploration, but objectors such as Ian Crawford say the plan to look for oil and gas will not benefit the area.

'Complete confusion'

Mr Crawford, from West Bingfield, said: "There is no evidence to show it will improve the economy in any way whatsoever.

"There is complete confusion whether the district or county councils will make any money out of this.

"And there is no evidence there will be any additional jobs from this."

If oil or gas is found then Roc Oil will pay taxes and rates to Tynedale District Council.

Council decision

The proposed site of exploratory work and drilling is just outside of the boundary of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage site.

Edgar Bains, managing director of Roc Oil, said the plans submitted to Northumberland County Council will not have an affect on Hadrian's Wall.

A decision to allow or reject the application for the drilling work will not be considered by the county council until November at the earliest.