A COUNCIL will urge county planners and policy makers to make their town's regeneration and improvements to poor housing a priority when they finalise a blueprint for potential development.

Durham County Council is consulting the public about the County Durham Plan– a vision for housing, jobs and the environment until 2035, along with transport, schools and healthcare to support it.

Consultation runs until Friday, August 3 and at a meeting of Ferryhill Town Council on Wednesday members agreed the authority, individual councillors and residents should share their views.

Cllr Richard Smith said housing issues, particularly in social and privately rented properties, is deteriorating in Dean Bank and the town.

Cllr Joe Makepeace called for football fields, the sale and redevelopment of empty county council-owned properties, larger town status, an east-west bypass and the opening up of Dean Bank's streets.

Cllr Carole Atkinson said Ferryhill Station had been 'long-neglected' and needs investment and Cllr David Farry said the reopening of the Leamside railway line and enhancement of The Carrs nature reserve were among his priorities.

  • For details or to give feedback visit the library,go to website durham.gov.uk, write to FREEPOST Spatial Policy or email cdpconsultation@durham.gov.uk