A BLUEPRINT for life in Chester-le-Street over the next 30 years has got off to a good start, according to a report published this week.

The town's Local Agenda 21 plan, a long-term strategy for economic development, environmental protection and community spirit, started in the Civic Centre last March.

Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered all local authorities to launch their own plan as part of a national strategy of sustainable development.

A network of 90 members involving 15 organisations have made improvements in 10 out of 27 goals.

A report by Chester-le-Street District Council's environmental health manager Peter Wright shows that progress has been made in reducing unemployment, increasing waste recycling and the number of schools involved in the Walk to School scheme.

On the down side, some areas have actually got worse, with the population of wild birds continuing to drop and traffic congestion on the rise.

Mr Wright said he was pleased with the progress made in the first year. "When Local Agenda 21 started, the feeling we had was that people generally liked living here - there was a lot of loyalty to the area.

"We are glad that people are generally happy to stay in Chester-le-Street and try to improve their quality of life, instead of just moving on.

"Local Agenda looks at the quality of the environment, the society we live in and economic issues.

"It tries to put them in balance with one another and make sure the success of one initiative does not compromise another.

"It's the council's role to be advocates for improving the quality of life in the district, but it's the people who have really impressed us. We are delighted at the number of people and groups who have come forward to help."

Top of the list for the coming year are increasing the public's awareness of waste disposal, educating children about wildlife and producing a footpath and cycle map for Chester-le-Street and surrounding districts.

Peter Wright's report, due to be presented to the council's executive meeting on Tuesday, asks for their support in carrying out these improvements