DURHAM is set to get its own parish council following a long-running campaign to give people in the city a bigger voice.

The new authority, which was approved yesterday and will come into effect next April, has been hailed as an opportunity for people to have a say on their changing city.

Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, who led the campaign, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Durham County Council have approved the formation of a Parish Council for the City of Durham.

“The strength of feeling within Durham on the need for more influence on decisions that affect local residents became clear throughout the consultation process.

“Most of the City of Durham constituency is already parished, and this decision will allow people living in the city to have local representation too.”

David Freeman, a county councillor for Elvet and Gilesgate, said: “The new parish council will I hope be a strong voice for our city.

“Durham City is presently experiencing a lot of change, not all of it welcome.

“The new council can have a say on the future of the city and ensure that the voices of residents are heard by those in power at County Hall and with Durham University who have their own major plans for our city.”

There have been calls for a new authority since the abolition of Durham City Council in 2009.

A previous campaign was dropped in 2012 but was revived in 2015, when volunteers started collecting signatures for a petition calling for a new council.

Dr Blackman-Woods handed in the petition last year, which led to a poll of Durham voters.

Two thirds of those who responded backed the idea, though some concern has been voiced about the low response rate.

A total of 11,700 residents were asked their views, with 1,856 saying they were in favour of the proposal.

The City of Durham Parish Council will have 15 members and will represent three parishes – Elvet and Gilesgate, Neville’s Cross and Durham South.

Next year, city residents living in Band D properties will be asked to pay an extra £34.46 in council tax to cover the cost of setting up the authority. Once established, it will set its own council tax for future years.

Dr Blackman-Woods added: “I very much look forward to our new Parish Council for Durham being established, and will be encouraging residents to get involved as this process continues into 2018.”