COMMUNITY leaders were overwhelmed when more than 150 people turned out to help shape the future of Durham last night (Monday, June 29).

A total of 154 people were allowed into the Neighbourhood Planning Forum debate and more had to be turned away as Durham Town Hall was full.

The public meeting was part of the process of creating a Neighbourhood Plan containing planning guidance for the city centre and surrounding areas.

The response was so good a second has been called for the Town Hall on Wednesday, July 8 at 7pm.

Guests divided into small groups for round-table discussions focussing on housing and community, heritage and environment and economy and infrastructure.

Durham Markets managing director Colin Wilkes, who chaired the meeting, summed up at the end.

On housing and community, there were calls for more housing for young families and the elderly, better community facilities outside the city centre and more activities for teenagers.

Studentification was raised as a problem and it was felt the County Hospital would be better used for retirement flats.

The major issue on heritage and environment was a perceived need for a tourist information centre to replace the facility closed under council cutbacks.

There was also a feeling Millennium Place could be better used, concern over the state of the former Elvet Baths and calls for better transport links to help tourists reach attractions such as the Oriental Museum, DLI Museum and Botanic Garden.

Finally, on the economy and infrastructure, the meeting called for better public transport and a new art gallery.

Mr Wilkes said he was very grateful for the big turnout and the points raised would be considered by the Forum before a second follow-up meeting in September or October.

Roger Cornwell, the Forum’s vice-chair, said: “It’s been very useful. I’m very pleased, not only with the turnout but also the range of views expressed. It gives us something to go forward with.”

Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, who has chaired the NPF, urged people to engage with the Neighbourhood Plan process.

“It gives the local community a really strong say over where development goes and the nature of that development,” she said.

The Plan would only be adopted following a local referendum. For more information, visit npf.durhamcity.org.uk