PEOPLE are being asked for their views on how to spend £125,000 to improve a historic north Durham village.

Residents in Shotley Bridge are being urged to attend a consultation event to determine how the cash should be spent.

The funds were allocated to Durham County Council as a result of the 240 house Storey Homes development on the former site of Shotley Bridge Hospital.

The money will be spent on a variety of improvements to the centre of the community to make it a better place to live, work or visit.

The consultation event will be held on Tuesday, September 10 from 3pm-7pm at the King’s Head Social Club to determine which proposals are most popular.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The works will see improvements made to the centre of Shotley Bridge so we’d urge all local residents to come along to the consultation, see the proposals and have a real say on the future of their village.”

Five projects have been proposed which will be on display during the drop-in session.

Residents will have the chance to study the plans and they will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about them to record their views.

Council staff will be on hand to answer any questions and residents can suggest other projects for the village centre area.

Coun Stephen Robinson, ward member for the area, said: “It is for the people to decide what they want this money spent on, not the elected members and that is why are trying to have this consultation to go out as far and wide as we can.

“This is not for the sort of thing that the council has a duty to do any way, it is over and above that.”

Proposals include environmental improvements to the village centre, crossing, bus stand and reinstating the well at the spa area.

Coun Robinson added: “It is a great opportunity for people to get involved and have their say.

“The village is steeped in history and we hope everyone will push in the same direction to make it a better place.”