A FORUM aimed at improving Durham city centre is moving ahead, with the appointment of a project manager.

Ros Ward will help Durham City Centre Neighbourhood Planning Forum (NPF) draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for the area, setting out priorities for development and conservation.

Roger Cornwell, chair of the NPF, said: “Ros is a well-qualified chartered planner with a wealth of experience and we are extremely fortunate in securing her services.

“As Ros lives in Durham, she is familiar with the issues that arise in our unique city.”

Ms Ward recently contributed to the examination-in-public of the County Durham Plan.

The NPF consulted residents on how they feel about their city and how they would like to see it change over the summer.

A list of priorities was announced in October, with tackling the spread of student accommodation coming out on top.

The World Heritage Site was the most popular response to the question: “what is good about Durham city centre?”

Leaders are now looking at how to address the issues raised and will hold further consultation early next year.

Meanwhile, NPF leaders have started contacting developers and property owners to hear their views.

Engagement officer Pippa Bell said: “The (Durham) County Council has already sent out a mailing on our behalf, but we would urge anyone else who would like to share their views to get in touch via email: npf@durhamcity.org.uk.”

The Plan would have to go before an examination-in-public and be put to a local referendum before being adopted.

For more information, visit npf.durhamcity.org.uk