Demolition man (From The Northern Echo)

Demolition man

2:13pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Letters

I REFER to CT Riley’s letter (HAS, Feb 8) and thank him for the interest that he has shown on matters relating to Spennymoor.

I agree that high rents and high Council Tax have not helped retailers in Festival Walk in the past. However, the Sixtiesstyle flat roof buildings have caused many problems and the general mood of the Spennymoor public is that they should be demolished.

That way, the High Street can reconnect with traditional shops.

I also understand that there is private money available, should the administrator allow it. I have also stressed that prior consultation should take place with the public and retailers.

I did bring up the fact up at a recent full Durham County Council meeting that to allow houses and retail units to be built on land at Electrolux Spennymoor, would be a mistake.

Mr Riley will be pleased to know that Durham County Council has given me assurances that it has dropped this idea, but it still intends to allow houses to be built on site.

The production of extra jobs and the regeneration of Festival Walk in Spennymoor are vital to its future.

Lib Dem councillor Ben Ord, Spennymoor.