A KIRKBY Stephen bakery shop's air conditioning unit is "an alien intrusion into the environment", it was claimed at Kirkby Stephen Town Council's recent meeting.

Bryson's, at 37 Market Street, is seeking planning consent to reposition the unit and install a wooden screen. Town councillors said they were "sympathetic to the needs of the business owner" but they objected to the plan, saying it would "introduce additional clutter " as well as displace the rubbish bins. The decision rests with Eden District Council.