YOUR articles about the County Durham Plan mention a number of things, not least the fact that the county officials tend to ignore residents’ opinions (Echo, Feb 19). This is certainly the case with Weardale, as Councillor John Shuttleworth has said many times.

Regardless of the opinions of residents, Durham County Council closed Newtown House at Stanhope. Referrals to the gym by the GP have been stopped. There is little or no thought for those who will have to travel long distances to access even basic facilities and yet we pay the same council tax as everyone else.

In yesterday’s article, the Echo mentioned rural Teesdale but Weardale seems to have been completely ignored.

I live in Weardale but often wonder if the county councillors know where we are.

Judith Bainbridge, Frosterley.