A PUBLIC consultation to discuss the future of Shildon’s three Millennium arches has taken place in the town’s civic hall.

Dozens of local residents attended the event on Tuesday to put forward their opinion on whether Durham County Council should demolish or retain the arches.

The consultation follows an announcement from the council that it would cost more than £220,000 to maintain all three arches for the next two decades.

It would cost £17,014 to demolish all three arches, £18,106 to remove the arches and retain the brick columns, or around £70,000 to retain one of the arches for 20 years.

Those who attended the consultation were asked to fill in a questionnaire which is also available online.

Andrew Walker, AAP Co-Ordinator, said he was pleased the event had attracted a steady flow of people showing interest.

He added: “We’ve had a good response to the consultation today, with a variety of views on the future of the arches. We would encourage everybody to have their say before the public consultation ends in a few weeks.”

A member of the public, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I think all three arches should stay and I really hope they do. They are an iconic part of our town and a huge part of our history and culture. I would be very sad to see them go, especially for our children.”

The public consultation runs till Monday, October 24, and feedback from the consultation will be available in November. To complete the survey online visit durham.com.uk/consultation